1. Let us, with a gladsome mind, Praise the Lord, for He is kind: 2. Let us blaze His Name abroad, For of gods He is the God: 3. He with all-commanding might Filled the new made world with light: 4. He the golden-tressed sun Caused all day His course to run: 5. The horned moon to shine by night, 'Mid her spangled sisters bright: 6. All things living He doth feed, His full hand supplies their need: 7. Let us, with a gladsome mind, Praise the Lord, for He is kind: Chorus: For His mercies aye endure, Ever faithful, ever sure.
Lyrics: John Milton
Music: John Antes
Tune: MONKLAND
John Milton, 1608–1674
This hymn text of praise was written by John Milton in 1621 when he was only 15 years of age. It was based on verses 1, 2, 7, and 23 of Psalm 136, a psalm that refrains each of its 26 verses with the reminder that God’s love/mercy/kindness endure forever. This hymn is one of nineteen poetic versions of various psalms written by Milton. Today, however, John Milton is best remembered as the brilliant, blind English poet who wrote the classic masterpieces, Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained. He is also credited with having much influence on the later hymn writings of Isaac Watts (“the father of English hymnody”) and Charles Wesley (author of 6,500 hymn texts).