133 CŒLI 7.6.7.6.D.

R. P. STEWART (1825-1894)

to night reply - ing Proclaims in

2 The sun with royal splendor
Goes forth to chant Thy praise;
And moonbeams soft and tender
Their gentler anthem raise:
O'er ev'ry tribe and nation
That music strange is poured;
The song of all creation

To Thee, creation's Lord.

3 How perfect, just, and holy
The precepts Thou hast given!
Still making wise the lowly,

They lift the thoughts to heaven; How pure, how soul-restoring

Thy gospel's heavenly ray,
A brighter radiance pouring
Than noon of brightest day!

4 Thy statutes, Lord, with gladness
Rejoice the humble heart;
And guilty fear and sadness
From contrite souls depart:

Thy word hath richer treasure

Then dwells within the mine,
And sweetness beyond measure
Attends Thy voice divine.

5 Oh who can make confession
Of every secret sin;
Or keep from all transgression
His spirit pure within?
But let me never boldly
From Thy commands depart,
Or render to Thee coldly
The service of my heart.

6 All heaven 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 Saviour,
One ceaseless song to Thee.

THOMAS R. BIRKS, 1874