MMORTAL, INVISIBLE, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, |
| Most blessèd, most glorious, the ancient of days, |
| Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. |
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| 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. |
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| To all life Thou givest, to both great and small; |
| In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; |
| We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, |
| And wither and perish — but nought changeth Thee. |
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| Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, |
| Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; |
| All laud we would render; O help us to see |
| ’Tis only the splendour of light hideth Thee. |
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— WALTER CHALMERS SMITH, 1824-1908
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