20. 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 its Creator's powers 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
Paraphraser: Joseph Addison
Meter: 8.8.8.8.D.
Publication Date: 1996
Scripture: ;
Topic: Creation; God's power; Nature (2 more...)
Tune Information
Name: CREATION
Adapter: Franz Joseph Haydn
Meter: 8.8.8.8.D.
Key: G Major
Source: Dulcimer, or New York Collection of Sacred Music, 1850, alt.



Media
MIDI file: WiS 020 The Spacious Firmament on High.mid
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

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