Sanctification and Praise

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Where shall we sinners hide our heads

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 30 hymnals

Representative Text

1 Where shall we sinners hide our heads,
Can rocks or mountains save?
Or shall we wrap us in the shades
Of midnight and the grave?

2 Is there no shelter from the eye
Of a revenging God?
Jesus, to thy dear wounds we fly,
Bedew us with thy blood.

3 Those guardian drops our souls secure,
And wash away our sins;
Eternal justice frowns no more,
And conscience smiles within.

4 We bless that wondrous purple stream
That cleanses every stain;
Yet are our souls but half redeem'd,
If sin, the tyrant, reign.

5 Lord, blast his empire with thy breath,
That cursed throne must fall;
Ye flattering plagues, that work our death,
Fly, for we hate you all.

Source: The Hartford Selection of Hymns: from the most approved authors: to which are added a number never before published (2nd ed.) #LXXXIV

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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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