Desire of Knowledge

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Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 68 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

Your mercies fill the earth, O Lord;
how good your works appear!
Instruct my eyes to read your word,
and see the blessings there.
My heart was fashioned by your hand,
my service is your due;
O help me, Lord, to understand
the things that I must do!

I am a stranger here below;
let not your path be hid;
but mark the road my feet should go,
and be my constant guide.
When I confessed to wandering ways,
my grief was not in vain;
you give the guidance of your grace,
that I not stray again.

The Gospel's comfort, when I bore
variety of grief,
helped me to love your law the more,
and fly to its relief.
When I have learned my Father’s will,
I'll teach the world your ways;
my thankful lips, inspired with zeal,
shall ever sing your praise!

Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #80

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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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