The Almost Christian

Representative Text

1. Broad is the road that leads to death,
And thousands walk together there;
But wisdom shows a narrow path,
With here and there a traveler.

2. Deny thyself and take thy cross,
Is the Redeemer's great command:
Nature must count her gold but dross,
If she would gain that heav'nly land.

3. The fearful soul that tires and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more,
Is but esteemed almost a saint,
And makes his own destruction sure.

4. Lord, let not all my hopes be vain,
Create my heart entirely new,
Which hypocrites could ne'er attain,
Which false apostates never knew.


Source: The Harmonia Sacra: a compilation of genuine church music : comprising a great variety of metres, harmonized for four voices : together with a copious explication of the principles ...(25th ed.) #54B

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 >

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 8 of 8)
TextScoreAudio

The Cyber Hymnal #529

Original Sacred Harp Denson Revision 1987 Standard Melodies #38b

The Baptist Hymnal #249

The New Harp of Columbia, Restored Edition #18

Text

The Sacred Harp #38b

The Colored Sacred Harp, Third Revised edition #39

The Sacred Harp #38b

Text

The Harmonia Sacra #54B

Include 444 pre-1979 instances
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