1 Sing to the LORD, ye saints of His,
and tell how large His goodness is;
let all your pow'rs rejoice and bless,
while you record His holiness.
2 His anger but a moment stays;
His love is life and length of days.
Tho' grief and tears the night employ,
the morning star restores the joy.
3 Firm was my health, my day was bright,
and I presumed 'twould ne'er be night;
fondly I said within my heart,
"Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart."
4 But I forgot Thine arm was strong
which made my mountain stand so long;
soon as Thy face began to hide,
my health was gone, my comforts died.
5 "Hear me, O GOD of grace,"
I said, "and bring me from among the dead!"
Thy word rebuked the pains I felt,
Thy pard'ning love removed my guilt.
6 My groans, and tears, and forms of woe,
art turned to joy and praises now
I throw my sackcloth on the ground,
and ease and gladness gird me round.
7 My tongue, the glory of my frame,
shall ne'er be silent of Thy name;
Thy praise shall sound thro' earth and heav'n,
for guilt removed and sins forgiv'n.
Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #30
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >
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