O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 136:1
Words: John Milton, 1623, alt. Milton was only 15 years old when he wrote this hymn.
Music: Monkland John Antes, in A Collection of Hymn Tunes Chiefly Composed for Private Amusement by John Antes, circa 1790. Arranged by John B. Wilkes in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1861 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Antes or Wilkes (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for He is kind.
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For His mercies aye endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.
Let us blaze His name abroad,
For of gods He is the God.
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He with all commanding might
Filled the new made world with light.
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He hath, with a piteous eye,
Looked upon our misery.
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He the golden tressèd sun
Caused all day his course to run.
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Th’hornèd moon to shine by night;
’Mid her spangled sisters bright.
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All things living He doth feed,
His full hand supplies their need.
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Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for He is kind.
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