From deep distress and troubled thoughts,
to you, my God, I raise my cries!
If you severely mark our faults,
no one could stand before your eyes.
My hope is fixed upon your word;
nor shall I trust your word in vain;
all yearning souls can trust you, Lord,
and find relief from sin and pain.
You turn our feet from sinful ways,
forgive the wrongs our hands have done.
How great the love, how large the grace
that gives redemption through your Son!
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 >
A pentatonic (five-pitch) folk tune from the southern United States, BOURBON fits well with the penitential text of Psalm 38. The tune calls for unison singing, with accompaniment providing a firmly articulated rhythm. Like many pentatonic tunes, when unaccompanied it can be sung in canon after eith…
Display Title: From deep distress and troubled thoughtsFirst Line: From deep distress and troubled thoughtsTune Title: CONISCLIFFEAuthor: Isaac WattsMeter: LMScripture: Psalm 130Date: 2014Source: Psalm 130, alt.
Display Title: From Deep Distress and Troubled ThoughtsFirst Line: From deep distress and troubled thoughtsTune Title: BOURBONAuthor: Isaac WattsMeter: LMSource: Psalms of David, 1719