High on a hill of dazzling light
The King of glory spreads his seat,
And troops of angels stretched for flight
Stand waiting round his awful feet.
"Go," saith the Lord, "my Gabriel, go,
Salute the virgin's fruitful womb;
Make haste, ye cherubs, down below,
Sing and proclaim the Savior come.
Here a bright squadron leaves the skies,
And thick around Elisha stands
Anon a heav'nly soldier flies,
And breaks the chains from Peter's hands.
Thy winged troops, O God of hosts!
Wait on thy wand'ring church below
Here we are sailing to thy coasts;
Let angels be our convoy too.
Are they not all thy servants, Lord?
At thy command they go and come;
With cheerful haste obey thy word,
And guard thy children to their home.
Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.18
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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