The Lord, how wondrous are his ways!

The Lord, how wondrous are his ways!

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 93 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, MusicXML
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Our God, how wondrous are his ways!
How firm his truth, how large his grace!
He takes his mercy for his throne,
and thence he makes his glories known.

2 Not half so high his power hath spread
the starry heav'ns above our head,
as his rich love exceeds our praise,
exceeds the highest hopes we raise.

3 Not half so far hath nature placed
the rising morning from the west,
as his forgiving grace removes
the daily guilt of those he loves.

4 The mighty God, the Wise and Just,
knows tht our frame is feeble dust,
and will no heavy loads impose
beyond the strength that he bestows.

5 He knows how soon our nature dies,
withered by ev'ry wind that flies;
like grass we spring, and die as soon,
or morning flowers that fade at noon.

6 But his eternal love is sure
to all the saints, and shall endure;
from age to age his truth shall reign,
nor children's children hope in vain.


Source: Rejoice in the Lord #122

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 >

Text Information

First Line: The Lord, how wondrous are his ways!
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

ERNAN (Mason)


ARNON (51233)


FEDERAL STREET

Henry Kemble Oliver (b. Beverly, MA, 1800; d. Salem, MA, 1885) composed FEDERAL STREET in 1832, possibly as an imitation of earlier psalm tunes in long meter. He took it to a music class taught by Lowell Mason (who may have contributed to the harmony); Mason (PHH 96) published it in his Boston Acade…

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Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #3721
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Rejoice in the Lord #122

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The Cyber Hymnal #3721

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