Let every creature join To praise th' eternal God; Ye heav'nly hosts, the song begin, And sound his name abroad. | Thou sun with golden beams, And moon with paler rays; Ye starry lights, ye twinkling flames, Shine to your Maker's praise. | He built those worlds above, And fixed their wondrous frame; By his command they stand or move, And ever speak his name. | Ye vapors, when ye rise, Or fall in showers of snow; Ye thunders, murmuring round the skies, His power and glory show. | Wind, hail, and flashing fire, Agree to praise the Lord, When ye in dreadful storms conspire To execute his word. | By all his works above His honors be expressed; But saints that taste his saving love Should sing his praises best. | Let earth and ocean know They owe their Maker praise; Praise him, ye wat'ry worlds below, And monsters of the seas. | From mountains near the sky Let his high praise resound; From humble shrubs and cedars high, And vales and fields around. | Ye lions of the wood, And tamer beasts that graze, Ye live upon his daily food, And he expects your praise. | Ye birds of lofty wing, On high his praises bear; Or sit on flowery boughs, and sing Your Maker's glory there. | Ye creeping ants and worms, His various wisdom show, And flies, in all your shining swarms, Praise him that dressed you so. | By all the earth-born race His honors be expressed; But saints, that know his heav'nly grace Should learn to praise him best. | Monarchs of wide command, Praise ye th' eternal King; Judges, adore that sovereign hand Whence all your honors spring. | Let vig'rous youth engage To sound his praises high: While growing babes, and with'ring age, Their feebler voices try. | United zeal be shown His wondrous fame to raise: God is the Lord; his name alone Deserves our endless praise. | Let nature join with art, And all pronounce him blest; But saints, that dwell so near his heart, Should sing his praises best. | |