Monday, February 25, 2008

Hymns of Isaac Watts

Here's a sample from The Christian Classics Ethereal Library -- the hymns of Isaac Watts

Notice the Scripture references at the heading of each of these hymns. And then notice how faithfully Watts presents the truths of the Scripture passage in the lyrics of the song. (We need more contemporary composers today who share this same commitment and adopt this same wise and faithful approach!)

HYMN 32
C. M.
Strength from heaven. Isa. 40:27-30.

Whence do our mournful thoughts arise?
And where's our courage fled?
Have restless sin and raging hell
Struck all our comforts dead?

Have we forgot th' almighty name
That formed the earth and sea?
And can an all-creating arm
Grow weary or decay?

Treasures of everlasting might
In our Jehovah dwell;
He gives the conquest to the weak
And treads their foes to hell.

Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigor cease:
But we that wait upon the Lord
Shall feel our strength increase.

The saints shall mount on eagles' wings,
And taste the promised bliss,
Till their unwearied feet arrive
Where perfect pleasure is.

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