The Book of Praise ‎#290

290. 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,
and wither, and perish; but naught changeth thee.

4 Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
all laud we would render: oh help us to see
'tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Immortal, invisible, God only wise
• Title: Immortal, invisible, God only wise
• Author: Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908
• Meter: 11 11 11 11
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Psalm 104:24-30
  ;
  Isaiah 6:2
  ;
  Daniel 7:22
  ;
  James 1:17
  ;
  Exodus 33:20
  ;
  Psalm 36:5-6
  ;
  Psalm 103:15-17
• Topic: Descants and Fauxbourdons; God: Power / Might of; God: Name of; God: Justice of; God: Image of (in humans); God: Goodness of; God the Holy Trinity; Light; Processionals
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. DENIO
• Arranger: John Roberts, 1822-1877
• Composer (descant): C. S. Lang, 1891-1971
• Meter: 11 11 11 11
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: Welsh folk song from Caniadau y Cyssegr 1839
• Copyright: Descant © Novello & Co., Ltd.
• Notes: See also: ST> DEnIO 685