The Lord declares his will,
And keeps the world in awe;
Amidst the smoke on Sinai's hill
Breaks out his fiery law.
The Lord reveals his face,
And smiling from above,
Sends down the gospel of his grace,
Th' epistles of his love.
These sacred words impart
Our Maker's just commands;
The pity of his melting heart,
And vengeance of his hands.
[Hence we awake our fear,
We draw our comfort hence;
The arms of grace are treasured here,
And armor of defence.
We learn Christ crucified,
And here behold his blood;
All arts and knowledges beside
Will do us little good.]
We read the heav'nly word,
We take the offered grace,
Obey the statutes of the Lord,
And trust his promises.
In vain shall Satan rage
Against a book divine,
Where wrath and lightning guard the page,
Where beams of mercy shine.
Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.120
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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