The Wisdom of God in the Formation of Man

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When I with pleasing wonder stand

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: WARWICK (Stanley)
Published in 53 hymnals

Representative Text

When I with pleasing wonder stand,
And all my frame survey,
Lord, 'tis thy work I own thy hand
Thus built my humble clay.

Thy hand my heart and reins possessed
Where unborn nature grew;
Thy wisdom all my features traced,
And all my members drew.

Thine eye with nicest care surveyed
The growth of every part;
Till the whole scheme thy thoughts had laid
Was copied by thy art.

Heav'n, earth, and sea, and fire, and wind,
Show me thy wondrous skill
But I review myself, and find
Diviner wonders still.

Thy aweful glories round me shine,
My flesh proclaims thy praise;
Lord, to thy works of nature join
Thy miracles of grace.

Source: The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #57

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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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First Line:	When I with pleasing wonder stand
Title:	The Wisdom of God in the Formation of Man
Author:	Isaac Watts
Meter:	Common Metre
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain
Article:	Robert Boyle as the Source of an Isaac Watts Text Set for a William Billings Anthem by Edward B. Davis (from The Hymn)