I'm bound for New Jerusalem

Representative Text

1 I'm bound for New Jerusalem,
Thither my best beloved's gone:
The righteous branch of Jesse's stem,
'Tis he I've fix'd my heart upon.

2 Fain would I climb above the skies,
To see the beauties of his face;
My faith would into vision rise,
And hope would cease in his embrace.

3 I languish with extreme desire,
The object of my love to see;
O let me in love's flames expire,
That I may with my Jesus be.

4 This life's a pilgrimage of care;
When will the happy season come,
That I shall breathe celestial air,
And settle in my native home?

Source: Hymns, Selected and Original: for public and private worship (1st ed.) #749

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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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