The New English Hymnal ‎#267

267. 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 works 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 nor real voice nor sound
Amid their radiant orbs be found;
In reason's 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
• Meter: DLM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Times and Seasons: God in Nature; Rogation Days

Tune Information

• Name: ADDISON'S (LONDON)
• Composer: J. Sheeles, 1688-1761
• Meter: DLM
• Key: F Major
• Notes: Composed for these words