Fairest of all the lights above

Representative Text

1 Fairest of all the lights above,
Thou sun, whose beams adorn the spheres,
And with unwearied swiftness move,
To form the circles of our years;

2 Praise the Creator of the skies,
That dress'd thine orb in golden rays:
Or let the sun forget to rise,
If he forget his Maker's praise!

3 Thou reigning beauty of the night,
Fair queen of silence, silver moon,
Whose gentle beams, and borrow'd light,
Are softer rivals of the moon;

4 Arise, and to that sovereign Power
Waxing and waning honours pay,
Who bade thee rule the dusky hour,
And half supply the absent day!

5 Ye twinkling stars that gild the skies,
When darkness has its curtain drawn,
That keep your watch with wakeful eyes,
When business, cares, and day, are gone;

6 Proclaim the glories of your Lord,
Dispers'd through all the heavenly street,
Whose boundless treasures can afford,
So rich a pavement for his feet!

7 O God of glory, God of love,
Thou art the sun that makes our days;
With all thy shining works above
Let man attempt to speak thy praise!

Source: Hymns, Selected and Original: for public and private worship (1st ed.) #62

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Fairest of all the lights above
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #9967
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The Cyber Hymnal #9967

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