1 Sure 'tis in vain to seek for bliss,
For bliss can ne'er be found,
'Till we arrive where Jesus is,
And tread on heavenly ground.
2 There's nothing round the spreading skies,
Or on this earthy clod;
Nothing, my soul that's worth thy joys,
Or lovely as thy God.
3 'Tis heaven on earth to taste his love,
To feel his quickening grace;
And all the heaven I hope above,
Is but to see his face.
4 Why move my years in slow delay?
And why this fear to die?
Death's but a guide that leads my way,
To a superior sky.
5 Dear Sovereign, break these vital strings,
That bind me to my clay;
Help me to rise and stretch my wings,
And mount and soar away.
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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