Sactified Afflictions; or, Delight in the Word of God

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Father, I bless thy gentle hand

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 69 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

O God, I bless your gentle hand.
How kind was your chastising rod
that moved my conscience to a stand,
and brought my wandering soul to God!

It's good for me to wear your yoke,
for pride is apt to rise and swell;
it's good to bear my Father's stroke,
that I may learn your statutes well.

Your hands have given me a frame,
your Spirit formed my soul within;
God, help me know your wondrous name,
and guard me safe from death and sin.

Help all who love and serve you, Lord,
to find salvation, and rejoice!
And I will trust your holy word,
and make your grace my only choice.

Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #89

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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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