This is a new arrangement of hymn 113 from the Trinity Hymnal. The text was written by Thomas R. Birks in 1874 and originally set to a Johann Sebastian Bach melody.
The text was taken from Psalm 19, vs 1-6 and 14.
Psalm 19
The Law of the Lord Is Perfect
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
1. The heavn's declare thy glory the firmament thy pow'r;
Day unto day the story repeats from hour to hour;
Night unto night replying, proclaims in ev'ry 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 gentler anthem raise;
o'er evry tribe and nation the music strange is poured,
the song of all creation, to thee, creation's Lord.
3. All heav'n 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.