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Grace Shining in Difficulties and trials

Representative Text

When pain and anguish seize me, Lord,
all my support is from your word:
my soul despairs in heaviness;
uphold me with your strengthening grace!

The wicked hate me with no cause,
they hate to see me love your laws;
but I will trust and love your name
till pride and malice die in shame.

Your precepts make me truly wise;
I’ll spurn vain thoughts that may arise;
I will not take a sinner’s road;
I yield me to your law, O God.


Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #88

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: When pain and anguish seize me, Lord
Title: Grace Shining in Difficulties and trials
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Tune

DISTRESS


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 #13099
  • PDF (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer Score (NWC)

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In Melody and Songs #88

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The Cyber Hymnal #13099

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