1 Who is this fair one in distress,
That travels from this wilderness;
And, pressed with sorrows and with sins,
On her beloved Lord she leans?
2 This is the spouse of Christ our God,
Bought with the treasures of his blood;
And her request and her complaint
Is but the voice of every saint:
3 “O let my name engraven stand
Both on thy heart and on thy hand;
Seal me upon thy arm, and wear
That pledge of love for ever there.
4 “Stronger than death thy love is known,
Which floods of wrath can never drown;
And hell and earth in vain combine,
To quench a fire so much divine.
5 “But I am jealous of my heart,
Lest it should once from thee depart;
Then let thy name be well impressed,
As a fair signet, on my breast.
6 “Till thou hast brought me to thy home,
Where fears and doubts can never come,
Thy countenance let me often see,
And often thou shalt hear from me.”
Source: A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) #92
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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