7 My spirit sinks with me, Lord,
But I will call thy name to mind,
And times of past distress record,
When I have found my God was kind.
8 Huge troubles with tumult'ous noise
Swell like a sea, and round me spread;
The rising waves drown all my joys,
And roll tremend'ous o’er my head.
9 Yet will the Lord command his love,
When I address his throne by day,
Nor in the night his grace remove;
The night shall hear me sing and pray.
10 I’ll cast myself before his feet,
And say, "my God, my heav’nly rock,
"Why doth thy love so long forget
"The soul that groans beneath thy stroke?"
11 I’ll chide my heart that sinks so low,
Why should my soul indulge her grief;
Hope in the Lord and praise him too;
He is my rest, my sure relief.
12 My God, my most exceeding joy.
Thy light and truth shall guide me still,
Thy word shall my best thoughts employ,
And lead me to thine heav’nly hill.
Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.XLII.II
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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