The Psalms of David ‎#115

115. Not to ourselves, who are but dust

1 Not to ourselves who are but dust,
Not to ourselves is glory due,
Eternal God, thou only just,
Thou only gracious, wise and true.

2 Display to earth thy dreadful name;
Why should a heathen's haughty tongue
Insult us, and to raise our shame,
Say, "Where's the God you've serv'd so long?"

3 The God we serve maintains his throne,
Above the clouds, beyond the skies;
Thro' all the earth his will is done,
He knows our groans, he hears our cries.

4 But the vain idols they adore
Are senseless shapes of stone and wood:
At best a mass of glitt'ring ore,
A silver saint, or golden god.

Part II.

5 O Isr'el make the Lord your trust,
Who is your help and shield;
Priests, Levites, trust in him alone,
who only help can yield.

6 Let all who truly fear the Lord,
On him their fear rely;
Who them in danger can defend,
and all their wants supply.

7 Of us he oft has mindful been,
And Isr'el's house will bless;
Priest, Levites, Proselytes, ev'n all
Who his great name confess.

8 On you, and on your heirs he will
Increase of blessings bring:
Thrice happy you, who fav'rites are
Of this almighty King.

9 Heav'n's highest orb of glory, he
His empire's seat design'd;
And gave this lower globe of earth
A portion to mankind.

10 They who in death and silence sleep
To him no praise afford:
But we will bless for evermore
Our ever-living Lord.

Text Information

• First Line: Not to ourselves, who are but dust
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1789
• Scripture:
  Psalm 115
• Notes: Part I is by Isaac Watts, Part II is from Tate and Brady's New Version

Tune Information

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