Trinity Psalter Hymnal ‎#425

425. How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place

1 How sweet and awesome is the place
with Christ within the doors,
while everlasting love displays
the choicest of her stores.

2 While all our hearts and all our songs
join to admire the feast,
each of us cries, with thankful tongue,
"Lord, why was I a guest?

3 "Why was I made to hear your voice,
and enter while there's room,
when thousands make a wretched choice,
and rather starve than come?"

4 'Twas the same love that spread the feast
that sweetly drew us in;
else we had still refused to taste,
and perished in our sin.

5 Pity the nations, O our God,
constrain the earth to come;
send your victorious Word abroad,
and bring the strangers home.

6 We long to see your churches full,
that all the chosen race
may, with one voice and heart and soul,
sing your redeeming grace.

Text Information

• First Line: How sweet and awesome is the place
• Title: How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place
• Author: Isaac Watts (1707, alt. 1961, 1990, mod.)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2018
• Scripture:
  Luke 14:16-24
• Topic: Calling; Church; Church: Christ's Presence in; Communion with Christ and God; Election; Salvation by Grace

Tune Information

• Name: ST. COLUMBA
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Old Irish hymn melody, alt. 1990