SONG 2. Praise for Creation and Providence.
I
I sing th'almighty power of God,
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies!
II
I sing the wisdom that ordain'd
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command
And all the stars obey.
III
I sing the goodness of the Lord,
That fill'd the earth with food;
He form'd the creatures with his word,
And then pronounc'd them good.
IV
Lord, how thy wonders are display'd,
Where'er I turn my eye!
If I survey the ground I tread,
Or gaze upon the sky!
V
There's not a plant, or flower below,
But makes thy glories known;
And clouds arise, and tempests blow,
By order from thy throne.
VI
Creatures (as num'rous as they be)
Are subject to thy care;
There's not a place where we can flee,
But God is present there.
VII
In heaven he shines with beams of love,
With wrath in hell beneath!
'Tis on his earth I stand or move,
And 'tis his air I breathe.
VIII
His hand is my perpetual guard;
He keeps me with his eye:
Why should I then forget the Lord,
Who is for ever nigh?
