Of the Glory of God in the Starry Heavens

Joseph Addison (1672-1719) wrote the hymn that begins with this line – “The spacious firmament on high.” Its title is, I believe, “Of the Glory of God in the Starry Heavens.” This hymn agrees with and supports the teaching of Psalm 19:1-6. The creation wondrously testifies of the Creator!

1. The spacious firmament on high,
With all the blue ethereal sky,
And spangled heavens (a shining frame!)
Their great Original proclaim.
 
2. Th’ unwearied sun from day to day
Does his Creator’s power display,
And publishes, to every land
The work of an almighty hand.
 
3. Soon as the evening shades prevail
The moon takes up the wondrous tale,
And nightly to the listening earth
Repeats the story of her birth:
 
4. 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.
 
5. What though, in solemn silence, all
Move round the dark terrestrial ball;
What though nor real voice nor sound
Amid their radiant orbs be found?
 
6. 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.”

One early tune paired with this hymn is Kettering. It seems by far its most common pairing is with the tune Creation, adapted or arranged from the works of Franz Josef Haydn. A tune found in The Sacred Harp that I think fits with it nicely is Uxbridge.