1 How am I held a prisoner now,
Far from my God! this mortal chain
Binds me to sorrow: all below
Is short-lived ease, or tiresome pain.
2 When shall that wondrous hour appear,
Which frees me from this dark abode,
To live at large in regions where
Nor cloud nor veil shall hid my God?
3 Farewell this flesh, these ears, these eyes,
These snares and fetters of the mind;
My God! nor let this frame arise,
Till every dust be will refined.
4 Blest Jesus! make my nature whole,
Mold me a body like thy own,
Then shall it better serve my soul,
In works of praise and worlds unknown.
The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799
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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