Singing the Living Tradition ‎#283

283. 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 its birth;
whilst all the stars that round it 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 the dark terrestrial ball?
What though no real voice nor sound
amid their radiant orbs be found?
In reason's ear they all rejoice,
and utter forth a glorious voice;
forever singing as they shine,
"The hand that made us is divine."

Text Information

• First Line: The spacious firmament on high
• Title: The Spacious Firmament on High
• Author: Joseph Addison, 1672-1719
• Meter: L.M.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Scripture:
  Psalm 19:1-6
• Topic: Jewish and Christian Teachings: Psalms; God, Goddess, and Spirit; Reason and Science; Transcending Mystery and Wonder

Tune Information

• Name: CREATION
• Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn, 1732-1809 (adapt.)
• Meter: L.M.D.
• Key: G Major or modal
• Source: Adapt. Dulcimer of new York Collection of Sacred Music, 1850, alt.