The Cyber Hymnal ‎#2247

2247. The Heavens Declare Thy Glory (Birks)

1. The heavens declare Thy glory,
The firmament Thy power;
Day unto day the story
Repeats from hour to hour;
Night unto night replying,
Proclaims in every land,
O Lord, with voice undying,
The wonders of Thy hand.

2. The sun with royal splendor
Goes forth to chant Thy praise;
And moonbeams soft and tender
Their gentler anthem raise;
O’er every tribe and nation
That music strange is poured,
The song of all creation,
To Thee, creation’s Lord.

3. How perfect, just, and holy
The precepts Thou hast given;
Still making wise the lowly,
They lift the thoughts to heaven;
How pure, how soul restoring
Thy Gospel’s heavenly ray,
A brighter radiance pouring
Than noon of brightest day.

4. All heaven on high rejoices
To do its Maker’s will;
The stars with solemn voices
Resound Thy praises still;
So let my whole behavior,
Thoughts, words, and actions be,
O Lord, my Strength, my Savior,
One ceaseless song to Thee.

Text Information

• First Line: The heavens declare Thy glory
• Title: The Heavens Declare Thy Glory (Birks)
• Author: Thomas Birks (1874)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tune: HEART EVER FAITHFUL, adapted from Johann S. Bach, 1685-1750

Tune Information

• Name: CHENIES
• Composer: Timothy Richard Matthews (1855)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Incipit: 55332 15561 17155
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Public Domain