Doctor Watts's imitation of the Psalms of David, to which is added a collection of hymns; the whole applied to the state of the Christian Church in general (3rd ed.) ‎#37a

37a. The Books of Nature, and Scripture compared; or, The Glory and Success of the Gospel

1 The heavens declare thy glory, Lord,
In every star thy goodness shines;
But when our eyes behold thy word,
We read thy name in fairer lines.

2 The rolling sun, the changing light,
And nights and days thy power confess;
But the blest volume thou hast writ,
Reveals thy justice and thy grace.

3 Sun, moon and stars convey thy praise
Round the whole earth, and never stand;
So when thy truth began its race,
It touch'd and glanc'd on every land.

4 Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest
Till through the world thy truth has run;
Till Christ has all the nations blest,
That see the light, or feel the sun.

5 Great Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Bless the dark world with heavenly light;
Thy gospel makes the simple wise,
Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right.

6 Thy noblest wonders here we view,
In souls renew'd and sins forgiven,
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make thy word my guide to heaven.

Text Information

• First Line: The heavens declare thy glory, Lord
• Title: The Books of Nature, and Scripture compared; or, The Glory and Success of the Gospel
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1786
• Scripture:
  Psalm 19
• Topic: Book of Nature and Scripture; Evidence: of Sincerity; Gospel: its glory and success; Knowledge desired; Lord's Day: Morning; Morning: of a sabbath; Scripture: compared with Nature; Sincerity; Thunder and storm; Watchfulness; Works: and grace

Tune Information

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