Lamenting Spiritual Sloth

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My drowsy powers, why sleep ye so?

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 194 hymnals

Representative Text

1 My drowsy powers, why sleep ye so?
Awake, my sluggish soul!
Nothing has half thy work to do
Yet nothing's half so dull.

2 We, for whose sake all nature stands,
And stars their courses move;
We, for whose guard the angel bands
Come flying from above;

3 We, for whom God the Son came down
And labored for our good,
How careless to secure that crown
He purchased with His blood.

4 Lord, shall we lie so sluggish still,
And never act our parts?
Come, holy Dove, from th'heavenly hill,
Renew and warm our hearts.

Amen.

Source: Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes #199

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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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