On shining sand, where rolls the splendid ocean

1 On shining sand, where rolls the splendid ocean,
In shining sky, where planets burn,
Forever and forever plies the motion,
There is no change, no end, no turn.
Still on the sand,
Majestic treads the mighty sea;
Still far and grand,
The burning stars rise over me.
Forever and forever plies the motion,
No end, no change, no turn can be.

2 But still the sea, and all the lights supernal,
The high control of God endure.
The ebb and flow, the heavenly march diurnal,
In order move serene and sure.
Still on the sand,
The glad sea rolls with murmur sweet;
Still, far and grand,
The timely stars show golden feet.
In ebb and flow, in heavenly march diurnal,
We bow the law of God to meet.

3 And like the sea, and like the starry heaven,
The human heart moves evermore;
No stop nor rest to it is ever given,--
As rolls the ocean on the shore;
But if it move
In duty's beautiful accord,
Like stars above,
It sheds a radiance all abroad;
And while no stop nor rest to it is given,
Its every beat doth praise the Lord.


Source: The Morning Stars Sang Together: a book of religious songs for Sunday schools and the home circle #106