The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God; or practical atheism exposed

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When man grows bold in sin

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: BEN RHYDDING
Published in 37 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

When man grows bold in sin,
My heart within me cries,
"He hath no faith of God within,
Nor fear before his eyes.

[He walks awhile concealed
In a self-flatt'ring dream,
Till his dark crimes at once revealed
Expose his hateful name.]

His heart is false and foul,
His words are smooth and fair;
Wisdom is banished from his soul,
And leaves no goodness there.

He plots upon his bed
New mischiefs to fulfil
He sets his heart, and hand, and head,
To practise all that's ill.

But there's a dreadful God,
Though men renounce his fear;
His justice, hid behind the cloud,
Shall one great day appear.

His truth transcends the sky,
In heav'n his mercies dwell;
Deep as the sea his judgments lie,
His anger burns to hell.

How excellent his love,
Whence all our safety springs!
O never let my soul remove
From underneath his wings.

Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #Ps.85

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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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First Line:	When man grows bold in sin
Title:	The wickedness of man, and the majesty of God; or practical atheism exposed
Author:	Isaac Watts
Meter:	6.6.8.6
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain