The heav'ns God's glory do declare

1 The heav’ns God’s glory do declare,
the skies his hand-works preach:
2 Day utters speech to day, and night
to night doth knowledge teach.

3 There is no speech nor tongue to which
their voice doth not extend:
4 Their line is gone through all the earth,
their words to the world’s end.

In them he set the sun a tent;
5 Who, bridegroom-like, forth goes
From’s chamber, as a strong man doth
to run his race rejoice.

6 From heav’n’s end is his going forth,
circling to th’ end again;
And there is nothing from his heat
that hidden doth remain.

7 God’s law is perfect, and converts
the soul in sin that lies:
God’s testimony is most sure,
and makes the simple wise.

8 The statutes of the Lord are right,
and do rejoice the heart:
The Lord’s command is pure, and doth
light to the eyes impart.

9 Unspotted is the fear of God,
and doth endure for ever:
The judgments of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.

10 They more than gold, yea, much fine gold,
to be desired are:
Than honey, honey from the comb
that droppeth, sweeter far.

11 Moreover, they thy servant warn
how he his life should frame:
A great reward provided is
for them that keep the same.

12 Who can his errors understand?
O cleanse thou me within
13 From secret faults. Thy servant keep
from all presumptuous sin:

And do not suffer them to have
dominion over me:
Then, righteous and innocent,
I from much sin shall be.

14 The words which from my mouth proceed,
the thoughts sent from my heart,
Accept, O Lord, for thou my strength
and my Redeemer art.

Scottish Psalter and Paraphrases, 1781