The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
Psalm 19:1
Words: A canticle from the Septuagint (Benedicte). Translated by John S. Blackie in the Bible Hymn Book, by Horatius Bonar, 1845.
Music: Llanherne George T. Thalben-Ball (1896–1987) (🔊 pdf nwc).
This hymn was composed by me for the very beautiful Burschen melody, Altes Schweige, the music and words of which will be found in the collection Burschen Melodies, published by me in Tait’s Magazine for 1840, vol. vii. p. 259. Many of these melo-dies, though used on convivial occasions, have a solemnity about them, in virtue of which they are well fitted for the service of the Sanctuary.
John Blackie
Angels holy, high and lowly,
Sing the praises of the Lord!
Earth and sky, all living nature,
Man the stamp of thy creator,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Sun and moon bright, night and moonlight,
Starry temples azure-floored,
Cloud and rain, and wild winds’ madness,
Sons of God that shout for gladness,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Ocean hoary, tell His glory,
Cliffs, where tumbling seas have roared,
Pulse of waters, blithely beating,
Wave advancing, wave retreating,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Rock and highland, wood and island,
Crag where eagle’s pride hath soared;
Mighty mountains, purple breasted,
Peaks cloud-cleaving, snowy crested,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Rolling river, praise Him ever,
From the mountain’s deep vein poured;
Silver fountain, clearly gushing,
Troubled torrent, madly rushing,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Bond and free man, land and sea man,
Earth, with peoples widely stored;
Wanderer lone o’er prairies ample,
Full-voiced choir, in costly temple,
Praise ye, praise ye, God the Lord!
Praise Him ever, bounteous Giver!
Praise Him, Father, friend and Lord!
Each glad soul its free course winging,
Each blithe voice its free song singing,
Praise the great and mighty Lord!