Psalm 19 (Tate & Brady)

1 The heav'ns declare thy glory, Lord,

which that alone can fill;

The firmament and stars express

their great Creator's skill.

2 The dawn of each returning day

fresh beams of knowledge brings;

From darkest night's successive rounds

divine instruction springs.

3 Their pow'rful language to no realm

or region is confined;

'Tis nature's voice, and understood

alike by all mankind.

4 Their doctrine does its sacred sense

through earth's extent display;

Whose bright contents the circling sun

does round the world convey.

5 No bridegroom, for his nuptials dressed,

has such a cheerful face;

No giant does like him rejoice

to run his glorious race.

6 From east to west, from west to east,

his restless course he goes;

And through his progress cheerful light

and vital warmth bestows.

The Second Part.

7 God's perfect law converts the soul,

reclaims from false desires;

With sacred wisdom his sure word

the ignorant inspires.

8 The statutes of the Lord are just,

and bring sincere delight;

His pure commands, in search of truth,

assist the feeblest sight.

9 His perfect worship here is fixed,

on sure foundations laid;

His equal laws are in the scales

of truth and justice weighed.

10 Of more esteem than golden mines,

or gold refined with skill;

More sweet than honey, or the drops

that from the comb distil.

11 My trusty counselors they are,

and friendly warnings give;

Divine rewards attend on those

who by thy precepts live.

12 But what frail man observes how oft

he does from virtue fall?

O cleanse me from my secret faults,

thou God that know'st them all.

13 Let no presumptuous sin, O Lord,

dominion have o'er me;

That, by thy grace preserved, I may

the great transgression flee.

14 So shall my pray'r and praises be

with thy acceptance blest;

And I, secure on thy defense,

my strength and Savior, rest.