8 The heavens declare Thy glory

1 The heavens declare Thy glory, The firmament Thy power; Day unto day the story Repeats from hour to hour; Night unto night replying, Proclaims in every land, O Lord, with voice undying, The wonders of Thy hand. 2 The sun with royal splendor Goes forth to chant Thy praise; And moonbeams soft and tender Their gentle anthem raise: O'er every tribe and nation That music strange is poured; The song of all creation To Thee, creation's Lord. 3 How perfect, just, and holy The precepts Thou hast given; Still making wise the lowly, They lift the thoughts to heaven; How pure, how soul-restoring Thy gospel's heavenly ray, A brighter radiance pouring Than noon of brightest day! 4 Thy statutes, Lord, with gladness Rejoice the humble heart; And guilty fear and sadness From contrite souls depart: Thy word hath richer treasure Than dwells within the mine, And sweetness beyond measure Attends Thy voice divine. 5 O who can make confession Of every secret sin; Or keep from all transgression His spirit pure within? But let me never boldly From Thy commands depart, Or render to Thee coldly The service of my heart. 6 All heaven on high rejoices To do its Maker's will; The stars with solemn voices Resound Thy praises still: So let my whole behavior, Thoughts, words, and actions be, O Lord, my strength, my Savior, One ceaseless song to Thee.