Ancient and Modern ‎#676

676. 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 as 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: O help us to see
'tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.

Text Information

• First Line: Immortal, invisible, God only wise
• Author: Walter Chalmers Smith (1824-1908) (alt.)
• Meter: 11 11 11 11
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 40:6-8
  ;
  1 Timothy 1:17
• Topic: Angels; God: in majesty; God: in mystery; God: names and images of; Light; Other Saints and Festivals: The Conversion of Paul; Praise; Proper 19: Year C; Proper 24: Year A; Proper 6: Year B; Providence; The Fourth Sunday before Lent: Year C; The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany: Year A

Tune Information

• Name: ST DENIO
• Arranger (last stanza): Barry Rose (b. 1934)
• Meter: 11 11 11 11
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: Adapted from a Welsh song set to a hymn in John Roberts's Caniadau y Cyssegre, 1839
• Copyright: Adaptation: © Barry Rose