The Seasons Are Fixed by Wisdom Divine (EN 1554)

1

The seasons are fixed by wisdom divine,

The slow-changing moon show forth God’s design;

The sun in his circuit his Maker obeys,

And running his journey hastes not nor delays.

2

The Lord makes the night, when, leaving their lair,

The lions creep forth, God’s bounty to share;

The Lord makes the morning, when beasts steal away

And men are beginning the work of the day.

3

How many and wise Thy works are, O Lord!

The earth with the wealth of wisdom is stored;

The sea bears in safety the ships to and fro,

And creatures unnumbered it shelters below.

4

Thy creatures all look to Thee for their food;

Thy hands open wide, they gather the good;

Thy face Thou concealest, in anguish they yearn;

Their breath Thou withholdest, to dust they return.

5

Thy Spirit, O Lord, makes life to abound,

The earth is renewed, and fruitful the ground;

To God ascribe glory and wisdom and might,

Let God in His creatures forever delight.

6

Before the Lord’s might earth trembles and quakes,

The mountains are rent, and smoke from them breaks;

The Lord I will worship through all of my days,

Yea, while I have being my God I will praise.

7

Rejoicing in God, my thought shall be sweet,

While sinners depart in ruin complete;

My soul, bless Jehovah, His Name be adored,

Come, praise Him, ye people, and worship the Lord.