1 Shall atheists dare insult the cross
Of our Redeemer God?
Shall infidels reproach his laws,
Or trample on his blood?
2 What if he choose mysterious ways,
To cleanse us from our faults?
May not the works of sovereign grace
Transcend our feeble thoughts?
3 What if his gospel bids us fight
With flesh, and self, and sin?
The prize is most divinely bright,
Which we are call'd to win.
4 What if the foolish, and the poor,
His glorious grace partake?
This but confirms his truth the more,
For so the prophets spake.
5 Do some, that own his sacred name,
Indulge their souls in sin?
Jesus should never bear the blame,
His laws are pure and clean.
6 Then let our faith grow firm and strong,
Our lips profess his word;
Nor blush, nor fear to walk among
The men that love the Lord.
Source: A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship #214
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 >
My Starred Hymns
My FlexScores
My Hymnals
My Purchased Files