Psalm 115 (Tate & Brady)

1 Lord, not to us, we claim no share,

but to thy sacred Name

Give glory for thy mercy's sake,

and truth's eternal fame.

2 Why should the heathen cry, Where's now

the God whom we adore?

3 Convince them that in heav'n thou art,

and uncontrolled thy pow'r.

4 Their gods but gold and silver are,

the works of mortal hands;

5 With speechless mouth and sightless eyes

the molten idol stands.

6 The pageant has both ears and nose,

but neither hears nor smells;

7 Its hands and feet nor feel nor move,

no life within it dwells.

8 Such senseless stocks they are, that we

can nothing like them find,

But those who on their help rely,

and them for gods designed.

9 O Israel, make the Lord your trust,

who is your help and shield:

10 Priests, Levites, trust in him alone,

who only help can yield.

11 Let all, who truly fear the Lord,

on him they fear rely:

Who them in danger can defend,

and all their wants supply,

12,13 Of us he oft has mindful been,

and Israel's house will bless;

Priests, Levites, Proselytes, e'en all

who his great Name confess.

14 On you, and on your heirs, he will

increase of blessings bring;

15 Thrice happy you, who fav'rites are

of this almighty King!

16 Heav'n's highest orb of glory he

his empire's seat designed;

And gave this lower globe of earth

a portion to mankind.

17 They who in death and silence sleep

to him no praise afford:

18 But we will bless for evermore

our ever-living Lord.