Alas the brittle clay

Alas the brittle clay

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: EPHESUS (Holyoke)
Published in 5 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: Recording

Representative Text

Alas! the brittle clay,
That built our bodies first,
And ev'ry month and ev'ry day,
'Tis mould'ring back to dust.

Harmonia Americana, 1791

Author: Isaac Watts

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 >

Text Information

First Line: Alas the brittle clay
Author: Isaac Watts
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

Harmonia Americana: containing a concise introduction to the grounds of music; with a variety of airs, suitable fore divine worship and the use of musical societies; consisting of three and four parts #46
  • PDF (PDF)
  • MusicXML (made with MuseScore) (XML)

Instances

Instances (1 - 5 of 5)

Gospel Hymns #d13

TextScoreAudioPage Scan

Harmonia Americana #46

Page Scan

Selah #149a

Page Scan

Songs of the Church #782

Page Scan

The Springfield Collection of Hymns for Sacred Worship #185

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us