God's Awful Power and Goodness

Representative Text

O! the almighty Lord!
How matchless is his power!
Tremble, O earth, beneath his word,
While all the heav'ns adore.

Let proud imperious kings
Bow low before his throne:
Crouch to his feet, ye haughty things,
Or he shall tread you down.

Above the skies he reigns,
And with amazing blows
He deals insufferable pains
On his rebellious foes.

Yet, everlasting God,
We love to speak thy praise;
Thy sceptre's equal to thy rod,
The sceptre of thy grace.

The arms of mighty love
Defend our Zion well:
And heav'nly mercy walls us round
From Babylon and hell.

Salvation to the King
That sits enthroned above!
Thus we adore the God of might,
And bless the God of love.

Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.80

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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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