Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#176a

176a. The spacious firmament on high

1 The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens, a shining frame,
Their great Original proclaim.
The unwearied sun, from day to day,
Does his Creator's power display;
And publishes to every land
The work of an almighty hand.

2 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:
Whilst 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.

3 What though, in solemn silence, all
Move round this dark terrestrial ball;
What though no real voice or sound
Amidst their radiant orbs be found;
In reasons' ear they all rejoice,
And utter forth a glorious voice,
For ever singing, as they shine,
"The hand that made us is divine."

Text Information

• First Line: The spacious firmament on high
• Author: Joseph Addison, 1672-1719
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Godhead: Creation and Providence; Works of God; Nature, God revealed in; God: In Creation; God: Works of; Starry Heavens; Sun, the

Tune Information

• Name: CANTATE DOMINO
• Composer: Sir J. Barnby, 1838-1896
• Meter: L.M.D.
• Incipit: 35653 21235 34567
• Key: D Major