1 To God I cry'd with mournful voice,
I sought his gracious ear,
In the sad hour when trouble rose,
And fill'd my heart with fear.
2 Sad were my days, and dark my nights,
My soul refus'd relief;
I thought on God, the just and wise,
But thoughts increas'd my grief.
3 Still I complain'd, and still opprest,
My heart began to break;
My God, thy wrath forbade me rest,
And kept mine eyes awake.
4 My overwhelming sorrows grew,
'Till I could speak no more;
Then I within myself withdrew,
And called thy judgments o’er.
5 I call'd back years and ancient times
When I beheld thy face;
My spirit searched for secret times
That might withhold thy grace.
6 I call'd thy mercies to my mind,
Which I enjoy'd before;
And will the Lord no more be kind;
His face appear no more?
7 Will he for ever cast me off?
His promise ever fail?
Has he forgot his tender love?
Shall anger still prevail?
8 But I forbid this hopeless thought,
This dark, despairing frame,
Rememb’ring what thy hand hath wrought;
Thy hand is still the same.
9 I’ll think again of all thy ways,
And talk thy wonders o’er,
Thy wonders of recov'ring grace,
When flesh could hope no more.
10 Grace dwells with justice on the throne;
And men that love thy word
Have in thy sanctuary known
The counsels of the Lord.
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.LXXVII.I
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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