PSALM 8. (S. M.) God's Sovereignty and Goodness; and Man's
Dominion over the Creatures.
I
O Lord, our heavenly King,
Thy name is all divine;
Thy glories round the earth are spread,
And o'er the heavens they shine.
II
When to thy works on high
I raise my wondering eyes,
And see the moon complete in light
Adorn the darksome skies:
III
When I survey the stars,
And all their shining forms,
Lord, what is man, that worthless thing,
A-kin to dust and worms?
IV
Lord, what is worthless man,
That thou should'st love him so?
Next to thine angels is he plac'd,
And Lord of all below.
V
Thine honours crown his head,
While beasts like slaves obey,
And birds that cut the air with wings,
And fish that cleave the sea.
VI
How rich thy bounties are!
And wondrous are thy ways:
Of dust and worms thy power can frame
A monument of praise.
VII
Out of the mouths of babes
And sucklings thou canst draw
Surprising honours to thy name,
And strike the world with awe.
VIII
O Lord, our heavenly King,
Thy name is all divine:
Thy glories round the earth are spread,
And o'er the heavens they shine.
