With songs and honors sounding loud, Address the Lord on high; Over the heav'ns he spreads his cloud, And waters veil the sky. | He sends his showers of blessing down To cheer the plains below; He makes the grass the mountains crown, And corn in valleys grow. | He gives the grazing ox his meat, He hears the raven's cry; But man, who tastes his finest wheat, Should raise his honors high. | His steady counsels change the face Of the declining year; He bids the sun cut short his race, And wintry days appear. | His hoary frost, his fleecy snow, Descend and clothe the ground; The liquid streams forbear to flow, In icy fetters bound. | When from the dreadful stores on high He pours the rattling hail, The wretch that dares this God defy Shall find his courage fail. | He sends his word, and melts the snow, The fields no longer mourn; He calls the warmer gales to blow, And bids the spring return. | The changing wind, the flying cloud, Obey his mighty word: With songs and honors sounding loud, Praise ye the sovereign Lord. | |