The Presbyterian Hymnal: Hymns, Psalms, and Spiritual Songs

263

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

1.  Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
    In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
    Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
    Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.

2.  Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
    Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
    Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
    Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

3.  To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
    In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
    We blossom and flourish like leaves on the tree,
    Then wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.

4.  Thou reignest in glory, Thou rulest in light,
    Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
    All praise we would render; O help us to see
    'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!

WORDS: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1867;
MUSIC: alt. 1987Welsh folk melody Adapted in Caniadau y Cyssegr, 1839
Scripture: Psalm 36 Daniel 7:9 I Timothy 1:17
Theme: God