Psalm 115
Words: Brady and Tate, A New Version of the Psalms of David
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.
