Scripture Verse

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1–2

Introduction

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James Montgomery (1771–1854)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry, Songs of Zi­on (Lon­don: Long­man, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown, 1822).

Music: Cre­ation Franz J. Hay­dn, 1798 (🔊 pdf nwc) (re­peats last two lines of each stan­za).

Alternate Tunes:

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Franz J. Haydn (1732–1809)

Lyrics

Thy glo­ry, Lord, the heavens declare,
The firmament displays Thy skill;
The changing clouds, the viewless air,
Tempest and calm Thy word fulfill;
Day unto day doth utter speech,
And night to night Thy knowledge teach.

Though voice nor sound inform the ear,
Well known the language of their song,
When one by one the stars appear,
Led by the silent moon along,
Till round the earth, from all the sky,
Thy beauty beams on every eye.

Waked by Thy touch, the morning sun
Comes like a bridegroom from his bower,
And, like a giant, glad to run
His bright career with speed and power—
Thy flaming messenger, to dart
Life through the depth of Nature’s heart.

While these transporting visions shine
Along the path of Providence,
Glory eter­nal, joy divine,
Thy word reveals, transcending sense—
My soul Thy goodness longs to see,
Thy love to man, Thy love to me.