Complete Anglican Hymns Old and New ‎#665

665. The spacious firmament on high

1 The spacious firmament on high,
with all the blue ethereal sky,
and spangled heav'ns, a shining frame,
their great Original proclaim.
The unwearied sun from day to day
does his Creator's pow'r display,
and publishes to ev'ry land
the works of an almighty hand,
the works of an almighty hand.

2 Soon as the evening shades prevail
the moon takes up the wondrous tale,
and nightly to the list'ning 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,
and spread the truth from pole to pole.

3 What though in solemn silence all
move round the dark terrestrial ball;
what though nor lit'ral 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,
the hand that made us is divine.'

Text Information

• First Line: The spacious firmament on high
• Title: The spacious firmament on high
• Author: Joseph Addison, 1672-1719 (alt.)
• Meter: DLM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  Psalm 19:1-6
• Topic: Joy, Praise and Thanksgiving; Year A: Proper 22; Year B: Lent 3; Year B: Proper 19; Year C: Epiphany 3

Tune Information

• Name: ADDISON'S (LONDON)
• Composer: John Sheeles, 1688-1761
• Meter: DLM
• Key: F Major