The Gospel Feast

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How rich are thy provisions, Lord!

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 38 hymnals

Representative Text

1 How rich are thy provisions, Lord,
Thy table furnish'd from above!
The fruits of life o'erspread the board;
The cup o'erflows with heav'nly love.

2 Thine ancient family, the Jews,
Were first invited to the feast:
We humbly take what they refuse,
And Gentiles thy salvation taste.

3 Let the vain world pronounce its shame,
And fling their scandals on thy cause:
We come to boast our Saviour's name.
And make our triumphs in his cross.

4 With joy we tell the scoffing age:
He, that was dead, hath left the tomb.
He lives above their utmost rage,
And we are waiting till he come.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #393

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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 >

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