43 L. M. The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1.
The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great Original proclaim.
2 Th’ unwearied sun, from day to day, Does his Creator’s power display, And publishes to every land The work of an almighty hand.
3 Soon as the evening shades prevail, The moon takes up the wondrous tale, And nightly to the listening earth Repeats the story of her birth:
4 While all the stars that round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole,
5 What though in solemn silence all Move round this dark terrestrial ball— What though no real voice nor sound Amid their radiant orbs be found—
6 In reason’s ear they all rejoice, And utter forth a glorious voice; For ever singing as they shine, The hand that made us is divine!
44 L. M. He is clothed with majesty. Psalm 93:1.
Jehovah reigns: he dwells in light, Arrayed with majesty and might; The world, created by his hands, Still on its firm foundation stands.
2 But ere this spacious world was made, Or had its first foundation laid, His throne eternal ages stood, Himself the ever-living God.
3 For ever shall his throne endure; His promise stands for ever sure; And everlasting holiness Becomes the dwellings of his grace.
45 L. M. All thy works praise thee. Psalm 145:10.
Nature, with all her powers shall sing God the Creator, and the King; Nor air, nor earth, nor skies, nor seas Deny the tribute of their praise.
2 Begin to make his glories known, Ye seraphs, who sit near his throne; Tune high your harps, and spread the sound To the creation’s utmost bound.
3 Thus let our flaming zeal employ Our loftiest thoughts, and loudest songs; Nations, pronounce with warmest joy Hosanna, from ten thousand tongues.
4 Yet, mighty God, our feeble frame Attempts in vain to reach thy name; The strongest notes that angels raise Faint in the worship and the praise.
46 L. M. Thy saints shall bless thee. Psalm 145:10.
Greatest of beings, source of life; Sovereign of air, and earth, and sea! All nature feels thy pow’r, and all A silent homage pay to thee.
2 Waked by thy hand, the morning sun Pours forth to thee its earlier rays, And spreads thy glories as it climbs; While raptured worlds look up and praise.
3 The moon, to the deep shades of night, Speaks the mild luster of thy name; While all the stars, that cheer the scene, Thee, the great Lord of light, proclaim.
4 And groves and vales, and rocks and hills, And every flower, and every tree, Ten thousand creatures, warm with life, Have each a grateful song for thee.
5 But man was formed to rise to heaven; And, blest with reason’s clearer light, He views his Maker through his works, And glows with rapture at the sight.
6 Nor can the thousand songs that rise, Whether from air, or earth, or sea, So well repeat Jehovah’s praise, Or raise such sacred harmony.
47 L. M. A hymn of praise.