God, bind the oceans in a chain,
that they not drown the earth again.
The swelling waves must keep your ways,
and in their channels fill the seas;
from there, conveyed by secret veins,
spring forth on hills, and drench the plains.
God, you are great! No tongue can frame
an honor equal to your name!
God, hold creation in your hand,
poised and secure, it thus shall stand.
You set the sun its circling race,
appoint the moon to change its face;
and when thick darkness veils the day,
send winds to blow the clouds away.
Vast are your works, Almighty Lord,
all nature rests upon your word.
Let every race of creatures stand,
to gain its portion from your hand;
all those that trust will see your face;
you bless them with your sovereign grace.
In you my hopes and wishes meet,
and make my meditation sweet;
my soul shall sing with joy and praise,
as it fulfills its length of days.
Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #61
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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