God All in All

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If God to build the house deny

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 49 hymnals

Representative Text

If God to build the house deny,
The builders work in vain;
And towns, without his wakeful eye,
A useless watch maintain.

Before the morning beams arise,
Your painful work renew;
And till the stars ascend the skies,
Your tiresome toil pursue;

Short be your sleep, and coarse your fare;
In vain, till God has blessed;
But if his smiles attend your care,
You shall have food and rest.

Nor children, relatives, nor friends,
Shall real blessings prove;
Nor all the earthly joys he sends,
If sent without his love.

Source: The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #414

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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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