O What a stiff rebellious house

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O What a stiff rebellious house

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: ANCYRA
Published in 27 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

5 Oh what a stiff rebellious house
Was Jacob’s ancient race!
False to their own most solemn vows,
And to their Maker’s grace.

6 They broke the cov'nant of his love,
And did his laws despise;
Forgot the works he wrought to prove
His pow'r before their eyes.

7 They saw the plagues on Egypt light
From his avenging hand;
What dreadful tokens of his might
Spread o’er the stubborn land.

8 They saw him cleave the mighty sea,
And march'd in safety through,
With wat'ry walls to guard their way,
'Till they had ’scap'd the foe.

9 A wond'rous pillar marked the road,
Compos'd of shade and light;
By day it proved a shelt'ring cloud,
A leading fire by night.

10 He from the rock their thirst suppli'd;
The gushing waters flow'd,
And ran in rivers by their side,
Alone the desert road.

11 Yet they provok'd the Lord most high,
And dar'd distrust his hand:
"Can he with bread our host supply,
Amidst this desert land?"

12 The Lord with indignation heard,
And caus'd his wrath to flame;
His terrors ever stand prepar'd
To vindicate his name.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.LXXVIII.II

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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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