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.
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.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of 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!
~Walter Chalmers Smith
