Circumcision Abolished

Representative Text

The promise was divinely free,
Extensive was the grace;
"I will the God of Abram be,
And of his num'rous race.

He said; and with a bloody seal
Confirmed the words he spoke;
Long did the sons of Abram feel
The sharp and painful yoke.

Till God's own Son, descending low,
Gave his own flesh to bleed;
And Gentiles taste the blessing now,
From the hard bondage freed.

The God of Abram claims our praise,
His promises endure;
And Christ, the Lord, in gentler ways,
Makes the salvation sure.

Source: Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #II.134

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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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