HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS.
In Three Books.
1. Collected from the Scriptures.
2. Composed on Divine Subjects.
3. Prepared for the Lord's Supper.
By I. Watts, D.D.
Revelation 5, 9.
_And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy, &c. for thou
wast slain, and hast redeemed us, &c._
Soliti essent (i.e. Christiani) convenire, carmenque Christo quasi
Deo dicere.
_Plin. In Epist._
Transcriber's Note.
There are significant differences in the numerous reprints of
Isaac Watts' "Hymns and Spiritual Songs." The first generation
of this Project Gutenberg file was from an 1818 printing by C.
Corrall of 38 Charing Cross, London.
The "Index" and the "Table of the Scriptures that are Turned into
Verse" are retained, and can be found at the end of the text. The
"Table to find any Hymn by the first Line," however, has been
omitted for the following reasons:
1. It refers to page numbers that are here expunged; and
2. In this electronic version first lines can be easily
located via searches.
There are 3 books of hymns, and numbers have been added to indicate
in which of these the hymns are placed. For example, "2:38" refers
to "Book 2, Hymn Number 38," and so on.
Throughout, modern numerals have been substituted for their Roman
equivalents.
Preface.
The following extracts from the Doctor's preface contain the
substance of his plan in the three different parts into which the
Hymns are divided; the whole would have exceeded the limits of a
small book.
"Far be it from my thoughts to lay aside the Book of Psalms in
public worship; few can pretend so great a value for them as
myself: it is the most noble, most devotional and divine collection
of poesy; and nothing can be supposed more proper to raise a pious
soul to heaven than some parts of that book; never was a piece of
experimental divinity so nobly written, and so justly reverenced
and admired. But it must be acknowledged still, that there are a
thousand lines in it which were not made for a church in our days
to assume as its own. There are also many deficiencies of light
and glory which our Lord Jesus and his apostles have supplied in
the writings of the New Testament: and with this advantage I have
composed these Spiritual Songs, which are now presented to the
World. Nor is the attempt vainglorious or presuming; for in respect
of clear evangelical knowledge, 'The least in the kingdom of heaven
is greater than all the Jewish Prophets.' Matt. xi. 11.
"Now let me give a short account of the following composures.
"The greatest part of them are suited to the general state of the
gospel, and the most common affairs of Christians: I hope there
will be very few found but what may properly be used in a religious
assembly, and not one of them but may well be adapted to some
seasons either of private or public worship. The most frequent
tempers and changes of our spirit, and conditions of our life,
are here copied, and the breathings of our piety expressed according
to the variety of our passions, our love, our fear, our hope, our
desire, our sorrow, our wonder and our joy, as they are refined
into devotion, and act under the influence and conduct of the
blessed Spirit; all conversing with God the Father 'by the new
and living Way' of access to the throne, even the person and the
mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him also, even 'to the Lamb
that was slain and now lives,' I have addressed many a song; for
thus doth the holy Scripture instruct and teach us to worship in
the various patterns of Christian psalmody described in the
Revelation.
"I have aimed at ease of numbers, and smoothness of sound, and
endeavoured to make the sense plain and obvious. If the verse
appears so gentle and flowing as to incur the censure of feebleness,
I may honestly affirm, that sometimes it cost me labour to make
it so.
"In the first part I have borrowed the sense and much of the form
of the song from some particular portions of scripture, and have
paraphrased most of the doxologies in the New Testament, that
contain any thing in them peculiarly evangelical: and many parts
of the Old Testament also, that have a reference to the times of
the Messiah.
"The second part consists of hymns whose form is mere human
composure; but I hope the sense and materials will always appear
divine. I might have brought some text or other, and applied it
to the margin of every verse, if this method had been as useful
as it was easy. If there be any poems in the book that are capable
of giving delight to persons of a more refined taste and polite
education, perhaps they may be found in this part; but except they
lay aside the humour of criticism, and enter into a devout frame,
every ode here already despairs of pleasing.
"I have prepared the third part only for the celebration of the
Lord's Supper, that, in imitation of our blessed Saviour, we may
sing an hymn after we have partaken of the Bread and Wine."
Hymns.
Book 1.
Collected from the Holy
Scriptures.
Hymn 1:1.
A new song to the Lamb that was slain.
Rev. 5. 6 8 9 10 12.
1 Behold the glories of the Lamb
Amidst his Father's throne
Prepare new honours for his name,
And songs before unknown.
2 Let elders worship at his feet,
The church adore around,
With vials full of odours sweet,
And harps of sweeter sound.
3 Those are the prayers of the saints,
And these the hymns they raise:
Jesus is kind to our complaints,
He loves to hear our praise.
4 [Eternal Father, who shall look
Into thy secret will?
Who but the Son shall take that book
And open every seal?
5 He shall fulfil thy great decrees,
The Son deserves it well;
Lo, in his hand the sovereign keys
Of heaven, and death, and hell!]
6 Now to the Lamb that once was slain
Be endless blessings paid;
Salvation, glory, joy remain
For ever on thy head.
7 Thou hast redeem'd our souls with blood,
Hast set the pris'ners free,
Hast made us kings and priests to God,
And we shall reign with thee.
8 The worlds of nature and of grace
Are put beneath thy power;
Then shorten these delaying days,
And bring the promis'd hour.
Hymn 1:2.
The deity and humanity of Christ, John 1. 1-3 14.
Col. 9. 16. Eph. 3, 9 10.
1 Ere the blue heavens were stretch'd abroad,
From everlasting was the Word;
With God he was; the Word was God,
And must divinely be ador'd.
2 By his own power were all things made;
By him supported all things stand;
He is the whole creation's head,
And angels fly at his command.
3 Ere sin was born, or Satan fell,
He led the host of morning stars;
(Thy generation who can tell,
Or count the number of thy years?)
4 But lo, he leaves those heavenly forms,
The Word descends and dwells in clay,
That he may hold converse with worms,
Dress'd in such feeble flesh as they.
5 Mortals with joy beheld his face,
Th' eternal Father's only Son;
How full of truth! how full of grace!
When thro' his eyes the Godhead shone!
6 Archangels leave their high abode
To learn new mysteries here, and tell
The loves of our descending God,
The glories of Imannuel.
Hymn 1:3.
The nativity of Christ, Luke 1. 30 &c. Luke 2, 10 &c.
1 Behold, the grace appears,
The promise is fulfill'd;
Mary the wondrous virgin bears,
And Jesus is the child.
2 [The Lord, the highest God,
Calls him his only Son;
He bids him rule the lands abroad,
And gives, him David's throne.
3 O'er Jacob shall he reign
With a peculiar sway;
The nations shall his grace obtain,
His kingdom ne'er decay.]
4 To bring the glorious news
A heavenly form appears;
He tells the shepherds of their joys,
And banishes their fears.
5 "Go, humble swains," said he,
"To David's city fly;
"The promis'd infant born to-day,
"Doth in a manger lie.
6 "With looks and heart serene,
"Go visit Christ your King;"
And straight, a flaming troop was seen;
The shepherds heard them sing:
7 "Glory to God on high,
"And heavenly peace on earth,
"Good-will to men, to angels joy,
"At the Redeemer's birth!"
8 [In worship so divine
Let saints employ their tongues,
With the celestial host we join,
And loud repeat their songs:
9 "Glory to God on high,
"And heavenly peace on earth,
"Good-will to men, to angels joy,
"At our Redeemer's Birth."]
Hymn 1:4. [Supplement]
The inward witness to Christianity, 1 John 5. 10.
1 Questions and doubts be heard no more;
Let Christ and joy be all our theme;
His Spirit seals his gospel sure,
To every soul that trusts in him.
2 Jesus, thy witness speaks within:
The mercy which thy words reveal
Refines the heart from sense and sin,
And stamps its own celestial seal.
3 'Tis God's inimitable hand
That moulds and forms the heart anew;
Blasphemers can no more withstand,
But bow and own thy doctrine true.
4 The guilty wretch that trusts thy blood,
Finds peace and pardon at thy cross;
The sinful soul averse to God,
Believes and loves his Maker's laws.
5 Learning and wit may cease their strife,
When miracles with glory shine;
The voice that calls the dead to life
Must be almighty, and divine.
Hymn 1:5.
Submission to afflictive providences, Job 1. 21.
1 Naked as from the earth we came,
And crept to life at first,
We to the earth return again,
And mingle with our dust.
2 The dear delights we here enjoy,
And fondly call our own,
Are but short favours borrow'd now,
To be repaid anon.
3 'Tis God that lifts our comforts high,
Or sinks them in the grave;
He gives, and (blessed be his name!)
He takes but what he gave.
4 Peace, all our angry passions, then,
Let each rebellious sigh
Be silent at his sov'reign will,
And every murmur die.
5 If smiling mercy crown our lives,
Its praises shall be spread;
And we'll adore the justice too
That strikes our comforts dead.
Hymn 1:6.
Triumph over death, Job 19. 25-27.
1 Great God, I own thy sentence just
And nature must decay;
I yield my body to the dust
To dwell with fellow-clay.
2 Yet faith may triumph o'er the grave,
And trample on the tombs:
My Jesus, my Redeemer lives,
My God, my Saviour comes.
3 The mighty Conqueror shall appear
High on a royal seat,
And Death, the last of all his foes,
Lie vanquish'd at his feet.
4 Tho' greedy worms devour my skin,
And gnaw my wasting flesh,
When God shall build my bones again,
He clothes them all afresh.
5 Then shall I see thy lovely face
With strong immortal eyes,
And feast upon thy unknown grace
With pleasure and surprise.
Hymn 1:7.
The invitation of the gospel; or, Spiritual
food and clothing, Isa. 55. 1 &c.
1 Let every mortal ear attend,
And every heart rejoice,
The trumpet of the gospel sounds
With an inviting voice.
2 Ho, all ye hungry starving souls,
That feed upon the wind,
And vainly strive with earthly toys
To fill an empty mind,
3 Eternal wisdom has prepar'd
A soul reviving feast,
And bids your longing appetites
The rich provision taste.
4 Ho, ye that pant for living streams,
And pine away and die,
Here you may quench your raging thirst
With springs that never dry.
5 Rivers of love and mercy here
In a rich ocean join;
Salvation in abundance flows,
Like floods of milk and wine.
6 [Ye perishing and naked poor,
Who work with mighty pain
To weave a garment of your own
That will not hide your sin,
7 Come naked, and adorn your souls
In robes prepar'd by God,
Wrought by the labours of his Son,
And dy'd in his own blood.]
8 Dear God, the treasures of thy love
Are everlasting mines,
Deep as our helpless miseries are,
And boundless as our sins.
9 The happy gates of gospel grace
Stand open night and day,
Lord, we are come to seek supplies,
And drive our wants away.
Hymn 1:8.
The safety and protection of the church, Isa. 26. 1-6.
1 How honourable is the place
Where we adoring stand,
Zion the glory of the earth,
And beauty of the land!
2 Bulwarks of mighty grace defend
The city where we dwell,
The walls of strong salvation made,
Defy th' assaults of hell.
3 Lift up the everlasting gates,
The doors wide open fling,
Enter, ye nations, that obey
The statutes of our King.
4 Here you shall taste unmingled joys,
And live in perfect peace,
You that have known Jehovah's name,
And ventur'd on his grace.
5 Trust in the Lord, for ever trust,
And banish all your fears;
Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells,
Eternal as his years.
6 [What tho' the rebels dwell on high,
His arm shall bring them low,
Low' as the caverns of the grave
Their lofty heads shall bow.]
7 [On Babylon our feet shall tread
In that rejoicing hour,
The ruins of her walls shall spread
A pavement for the poor.]
Hymn 1:9.
The promises of the covenant of grace, Isa. 55. 1 2.
Zech. 13. 1. Mich. 7. 19. Ezek. 36. 25 &c.
1 In vain we lavish out our lives
To gather empty wind,
The choicest blessings earth can yield
Will starve a hungry mind.
2 Come and the Lord shall feed our souls
With more substantial meat,
With such as saints in glory love,
With such as angels eat.
3 Our God will every want supply,
And fill our hearts with peace;
He gives by covenant and by oath
The riches of his grace.
4 Come, and he'll cleanse our spotted souls,
And wash away our stains,
In the dear fountain that his Son
Pour'd from his dying veins.
5 [Our guilt shall vanish all away
Tho' black as hell before;
Our sins shall sink beneath the sea,
And shall be found no more.
6 And lest pollution should o'erspread
Our inward powers again,
His Spirit shall bedew our souls
Like purifying rain.]
7 Our heart, that flinty stubborn thing,
That terrors cannot move,
That fears no threat'nings of his wrath,
Shall be dissolv'd by love;
8 Or he can take the flint away
That would not be refin'd,
And from the treasures of his grace
Bestow a softer mind.
9 There shall his sacred Spirit dwell,
And deep engrave his law,
And every motion of our souls
To swift obedience draw.
10 Thus will he pour salvation down,
And we shall render praise,
We the dear people of his love,
And he our God of grace.
Hymn 1:10.
The blessedness of gospel times; or, The revelation of
Christ to Jews and Gentiles, Isa. 5. 2 7-10. Matt.
13. 16 17.
1 How beauteous are their feet
Who stand on Zion's hill!
Who bring salvation on their tongues,
And words of peace reveal!
2 How charming is their voice!
How sweet the tidings are!
"Zion, behold thy Saviour King,
He reigns and triumphs here."
3 How happy are our ears
That hear this joyful sound,
Which kings and prophets waited for,
And sought, but never found!
4 How blessed are our eyes
That see this heavenly light!
Prophets and kings desir'd it long,
But dy'd without the sight.
5 The watchmen join their voice,
And tuneful notes employ;
Jerusalem breaks forth in songs,
And deserts leant the joy.
6 The Lord makes bare his arm
Thro' all the earth abroad
Let every nation now behold
Their Saviour and their God.
Hymn 1:11.
The humble enlightened, and carnal reason humbled;
or, The sovereignty of grace, Luke 10. 21 22
1 There was an hour when Christ rejoic'd,
And spoke his joy in words of praise;
"Father, I thank thee, mighty God,
"Lord of the earth, and heavens, and seas.
2 "I thank thy sovereign power and love,
"That crowns my doctrine with success;
"And makes the babes in knowledge learn
"The heights, and breadths, and lengths of grace.
3 "But all this glory lies conceal'd
"From men of prudence and of wit;
"The prince of darkness blinds their eyes,
"And their own pride resists the light.
4 "Father, 'tis thus, because thy will
"Chose and ordain'd it should be so;
"T'is thy delight t' abase the proud,
"And lay the haughty scorner low.
5 "There's none can know the Father right
"But those who learn it from the Son;
"Nor can the Son be well receiv'd,
But where the Father makes him known."
6 Then let our souls adore our God
That deals his graces as he please,
Nor gives to mortals an account
Or of his actions, or decrees.
Hymn 1:12.
Free grace in revealing Christ, Luke 10. 21.
1 Jesus, the man of constant grief,
A mourner all his days;
His spirit once rejoic'd aloud,
And tun'd his joy to praise.
2 "Father, I thank thy wondrous love,
"That hath reveal'd thy Son
"To men unlearned; and to babes
"Has made thy gospel known.
3 "The mysteries of redeeming grace
"Are hidden from the wise,
"While pride and carnal reasonings join
"To swell and blind their eyes."
4 Thus doth the Lord of heaven and earth
His great decrees fulfil,
And orders all his works of grace
By his own sovereign will.
Hymn 1:13.
The Son of God incarnate; or, The titles and the
kingdom of Christ, Isa. 9. 2 6 7.
1 The lands that long in darkness lay
Now have beheld a heavenly light;
Nations that sat in death's cold shade
Are bless'd with beams divinely bright.
2 The virgin's promis'd Son is born,
Behold th' expected Child appear;
What shall his names or titles be?
The Wonderful, the Counsellor.
3 This infant is the mighty God
Come to be suckled and ador'd
Th' eternal Father, Prince of Peace,
The son of David, and his Lord.
4 The government of earth and seas
Upon his shoulders shall be laid
His wide dominions still increase,
And honours to his name be paid.
5 Jesus the holy child shall sit
High on his father David's throne,
Shall crush his foes beneath his feet,
And reign to ages yet unknown.
Hymn 1:14.
The triumph of faith; or, Christ's unchangeable love,
Rom. 8. 33 &c.
1 Who shall the Lord's elect condemn?
'Tis God that justifies their souls,
And mercy like a mighty stream
O'er all their sins divinely rolls.
2 Who shall adjudge the saints to hell?
'Tis Christ that suffer'd in their stead,
And the salvation to fulfil,
Behold him rising from the dead.
3 He lives, he lives, and sits above,
For ever interceding there:
Who shall divide us from his love?
Or what should tempt us to despair?
4 Shall persecution, or distress,
Famine, or sword, or nakedness?
He that hath lov'd us bears us thro',
And makes us more than conquerors too.
5 Faith hath an overcoming power,
It triumphs in the dying hour;
Christ is our life, our joy, our hope,
Nor can we sink with such a prop.
6 Not all that men on earth can do,
Nor powers on high, nor powers below,
Shall cause his mercy to remove,
Or wean our hearts from Christ our love.
Hymn 1:15.
Our own weakness, and Christ our strength,
2 Cor. 12. 7 9 10.
1 Let me but hear my Saviour say,
"Strength shall be equal to thy day,"
Then I rejoice in deep distress,
Leaning on all-sufficient Grace.
2 I glory in infirmity,
That Christ's own power may rest on me;
When I am weak, then am I strong,
Grace is my shield, and Christ my song.
3 I can do all things, or can bear
All sufferings, if my Lord be there;
Sweet pleasures mingle with the pains,
While his left hand my head sustains.
4 But if the Lord be once withdrawn,
And we attempt the work alone,
When new temptations spring and rise
We find how great our weakness is.
5 [So Samson, when his hair was lost,
Met the Philistines to his cost;
Shook his vain limbs with sad surprise,
Made feeble fight, and lost his eyes.]
Hymn 1:16.
Hosanna to Christ, Matt. 21. 9. Luke 19. 38 40.
1 Hosanna to the royal Son
Of David's ancient line,
His natures two, his person one,
Mysterious and divine.
2 The root of David here we find,
And offspring is the same;
Eternity and time are join'd
In our Immanuel's name.
3 Bless'd he that comes to wretched men
With peaceful news from heaven;
Hosannas of the highest strain
To Christ the Lord be given.
4 Let mortals ne'er refuse to take
Th' hosanna on their tongues,
Lest rocks and stones should rise, and break
Their silence into songs.
Hymn 1:17.
Victory over death, 1 Cor. 15, 55 &c.
1 O for an overcoming faith
To cheer my dying hours,
To triumph o'er the monster Death,
And all his frightful powers.
2 Joyful with all the strength I have
My quivering lips should sing,
"Where is thy boasted victory, Grave?
And where the monster's sting?"
3 If sin be pardon'd I'm secure,
Death hath no sting beside;
The law gives sin its damning power,
But Christ, my ransom, died.
4 Now to the God of victory
Immortal thanks be paid,
Who makes us conquerors while we die,
Thro' Christ our living head.
Hymn 1:18.
Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, Rev. 14. 13.
1 Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims,
For all the pious dead,
Sweet is the savour of their names,
And soft their sleeping bed.
2 They die in Jesus, and are bless'd;
How kind their slumbers are!
From sufferings and from sins releas'd,
And freed from every snare.
3 Far from this world of toil and strife,
They're present with the Lord;
The labours of their mortal life
End in a large reward.
Hymn 1:19.
The song of Simeon; or, Death made desirable,
Luke 2. 27 &c.
1 Lord at thy temple we appear,
As happy Simeon came,
And hope to meet our Saviour here;
O make our joys the same!
2 With what divine and vast delight
The good old man was fill'd,
When fondly in his wither'd arms
He clasp'd the holy child!
3 "Now I can leave this world," he cry'd,
"Behold thy servant dies,
"I've seen thy great salvation, Lord,
"And close my peaceful eyes.
4 "This is the light prepar'd to shine
"Upon the Gentile lands,
"Thine Israel's glory, and their hope
"To break their slavish bands."
5 [Jesus, the vision of thy face
Hath overpowering charms
Scarce shall I feel death's cold embrace
If Christ be in my arms.
6 Then while ye hear my heart-strings break,
How sweet my minutes roll!
A mortal paleness on my cheek,
And glory in my soul.]
Hymn 1:20.
Spiritual apparel; namely, the robe of righteousness,
and garments of salvation, Isa. 61. 10.
1 Awake, my heart, arise, my tongue,
Prepare a tuneful voice,
In God the life of all my joys,
Aloud will I rejoice.
2 'Tis he adorn'd my naked soul,
And made salvation mine,
Upon a poor polluted worm
He makes his graces shine.
3 And lest the shadow of a spot
Should on my soul be found,
He took the robe the Saviour wrought,
And cast it all around.
4 How far the heavenly robe exceeds
What earthly princes wear!
These ornaments, how bright they shine!
How white the garments are!
5 The Spirit wrought my faith and love,
And hope, and every grace;
But Jesus spent his life to work
The robe of righteousness.
6 Strangely, my soul, art thou array'd
By the great sacred Three:
In sweetest harmony of praise
Let all thy powers agree.
Hymn 1:21.
A vision of the kingdom of Christ among men,
Rev. 21. 1-4.
1 Lo, what a glorious sight appears
To our believing eyes!
The earth and sea are pass'd away,
And the old rolling skies.
2 From the third heaven where God resides,
That holy happy place,
The New Jerusalem comes down
Adorn'd with shining grace.
3 Attending angels shout for joy,
And the bright armies sing,
"Mortals, behold the sacred seat
"Of your descending King.
4 "The God of glory down to men
"Removes his blest abode,
"Men the dear objects of his grace,
"And he the loving God.
5 "His own soft hand shall wipe the tears
"From every weeping eye,
"And pains, and groans, and griefs, and fears,
"And death itself shall die."
6 How long, dear Saviour, O how long,
Shall this bright hour delay!
Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time,
And bring the welcome day.
Hymn 1:22. [Supplement.]
Flesh and Spirit. Rom. 8. 1.
1 What vain desires, and passions vain,
Attend this mortal clay!
Oft have they pierc'd my soul with pain,
And drawn my heart astray.
2 How have I wander'd from my God,
And following sin and shame
In this vile world of flesh and blood
Defil'd my nobler frame!
3 For ever blessed be thy grace
That form'd my soul anew,
And made it of an heaven-born race,
Thy glory to pursue.
4 My spirit holds perpetual war,
And wrestles and complains;
But views the happy moment near
That shall dissolve its chains.
5 Cheerful in death I close my eyes,
To part with every lust;
And charge my flesh whene'er it rise
To leave them in the dust.
6 My purer spirit shall not fear
To put this body on:
Its tempting powers no more are there,
Its lusts and passions gone.
Hymn 1:23. [Supplement.]
A hopeful youth falling short of heaven, Mark 10. 21.
1 Must all the charms of nature then
So hopeless to salvation prove?
Can hell demand, can heaven condemn
The man whom Jesus deigns to love?
2 The man who sought the ways of truth,
Paid friends and neighbours all their due,
(A modest, sober, lovely youth)
And thought he wanted nothing now.
3 But mark the change! thus spake the Lord,
"Come, part with earth for heaven to-day,"
The youth astonish'd at the word,
In silent sadness went his way.
4 Poor virtues that he boasted so,
This test unable to endure;
Let Christ, and grace, and glory go
To make his land and money sure.
5 Ah foolish choice of treasures here!
Ah fatal love of tempting gold!
Must this base world be bought so dear?
Are life and heaven so cheaply sold?
6 In vain the charms of nature shine,
If this vile passion govern me:
Transform my soul, O love divine,
And make me part with all for thee.
Hymn 1:24.
The rich sinner dying, Psalm 49. 6 9. Eccl. 8. 8.
Job 3. 14 15.
1 In vain the wealthy mortals toil,
And heap their shining dust in vain,
Look down and scorn the humble poor,
And boast their lofty hills of gain.
2 Their golden cordials cannot ease
Their pained hearts or aching heads,
Nor fright nor bribe approaching death
From glittering roofs and downy beds.
3 The lingering, the unwilling soul
The dismal summons must obey,
And bid a long a sad farewell
To the pale lump of lifeless clay.
4 Thence they are huddled to the grave,
Where kings and slaves have equal thrones;
Their bones without distinction lie
Amongst the heap of meaner bones.
The rest referred to Psalm 49.
Hymn 1:25.
A vision of the Lamb, Rev 5. 6-9.
1 All mortal vanities, be gone,
Nor tempt my eyes, nor tire my ears,
Behold amidst th' eternal throne
A vision of the Lamb appears.
2[Glory his fleecy robe adorns,
Mark'd with the bloody death he bore;
Seven are his eyes, and seven his horns,
To speak his wisdom and his power.
3 Lo, he receives a sealed book
From him that sits upon the throne:
Jesus, my Lord, prevails to look
On dark decrees, and things unknown.]
4 All the assembling saints around
Fall worshipping before the Lamb,
And in new songs of gospel-sound
Address their honours to his name,
5 The joy, the shout, the harmony
Flies o'er the everlasting hills,
"Worthy art thou alone," they cry,
"To read the book, to loose the seals."]
6 Our voices join the heavenly strain,
And with transporting pleasure sing,
"Worthy the Lamb that once was slain,
"To be our teacher and our king!"
7 His words of prophecy reveal
Eternal counsels, deep designs;
His grace and vengeance shall fulfil
The peaceful and the dreadful lines.
8 Thou hast redeem'd our souls from hell
'With thine invaluable blood;
And wretches that did once rebel
Are now made favourites of their Cod.
9 Worthy for ever is the Lord,
That died for treasons not his own,
By every tongue to be ador'd,
And dwell upon his Father's throne.
Hymn 1:26.
Hope of heaven by the resurrection of Christ,
1 Peter 1. 3-5.
1 Bless'd be the everlasting God,
The Father of our Lord,
Be his abounding mercy prais'd,
His majesty ador'd.
2 When from the dead he rais'd his Son,
And call'd him to the sky,
He gave our souls a lively hope
That they should never die.
3 What tho' our inbred sins require
Our flesh to see the dust!
Yet as the Lord our Saviour rose,
So all his followers must.
4 There's an inheritance divine
Reserv'd against that day,
'Tis uncorrupted, undefil'd,
And cannot waste away.
5 Saints by the power of God are kept
Till the salvation come;
We walk by faith as strangers here
Till Christ shall call us home.
Hymn 1:27.
Assurance of heaven; or, A saint prepared to die,
2 Tim. 4. 6 7 8 18.
1 [Death may dissolve my body now,
And bear my spirit home;
Why do my minutes move so slow,
Nor my salvation come?
2 With heavenly weapons I have fought
The battles of the Lord,
Finish'd my course, and kept the faith,
And wait the sure reward.]
3 God has laid up in heaven for me
A crown which cannot fade;
The righteous Judge at that great day
Shall place it on my head.
4 Nor hath the King of grace decreed
This prize for me alone;
But all that love and long to see
Th' appearance of his Son.
5 Jesus the Lord shall guard me safe
From every ill design;
And to his heavenly kingdom keep
This feeble soul of mine.
6 God is my everlasting aid
And hell shall rage in vain;
To him be highest glory paid,
And endless praise.--Amen.
Hymn 1:28.
The triumph of Christ over the enemies of his church,
Isa. 63. 1 2 3 &c.
1 What mighty man, or mighty God,
Comes travelling in state,
Along the Idumean road,
Away from Bozrah's gate?
2 The glory of his robes proclaim
'Tis some victorious king:
"'Tis I, the just, th' Almighty One,
"That your salvation bring."
3 "Why, mighty Lord," thy saints enquire,
"Why thine apparel red?
"And all thy vesture stain'd like those
"Who in the wine-press tread?"
4 "I by myself have trod the press,
"And crush'd my foes alone,
"My wrath has struck the rebels dead,
"My fury stamp'd them down.
5 "'Tis Edom's blood that dyes my robes
"With joyful scarlet stains,
"The triumph that my raiment wears
"Sprung from their bleeding veins.
6 "Thus shall the nations be destroy'd
"That dare insult my saints,
"I have an arm t' avenge their wrongs,
"An ear for their complaints."
Hymn 1:29.
The ruin of Antichrist, Isa. 63. 4-7.
1 "I lift my banners," saith the Lord,
"Where Antichrist has stood,
"The city of my gospel-foes
"Shall be a field of blood.
2 "My heart has study'd just revenge,
"And now the day appears,
"The day of my redeem'd is come
"To wipe away their tears.
3 "Quite weary is my patience grown,
"And bids my fury go
"Swift as the lightning it shall move,
"And be as fatal too.
4 "I call for helpers but in vain:
"Then has my gospel none?
"Well, mine own arm has might enough
"To crush my foes alone.
5 "Slaughter and my devouring sword
"Shall walk the streets around,
"Babel shall reel beneath my stroke,
"And stagger to the ground."
6 Thy honours, O victorious King!
Thine own right-hand shall raise,
While we thy awful vengeance sing,
And our deliverer praise.
Hymn 1:30.
Prayer for deliverance answered, Isa. 26. 8-12 20 21.
1 In thine own ways, O God of love,
We wait the visits of thy grace,
Our souls desire is to thy Name,
And the remembrance of thy face.
2 My thoughts are searching, Lord, for thee,
'Mongst the black shades of lonesome night;
My earnest cries salute the skies
Before the dawn restore the light.
3 Look, how rebellious men deride
The tender patience of my God;
But they shall see thy lifted hand,
And feel the scourges of thy rod.
4 Hark, the Eternal rends the sky,
A mighty voice before him goes,
A voice of music to his friends,
But threatening thunder to his foes.
5 Come, children, to your Father's arms,
Hide in the chambers of my grace,
Till the fierce storms be overblown,
And my revenging fury cease.
6 My sword shall boast its thousands slain,
And drink the blood of haughty kings,
While heavenly peace around my flock
Stretches its soft and shady wings.
Hymn 1:31. [Supplement.]
The hidden life of a Christian, Col. 3. 3.
1 O happy soul that lives on high;
While men lie grovelling here!
His hopes are fix'd above the sky,
And faith forbids his fear.
2 His conscience knows no secret stings,
While peace and joy combine
To form a life whose holy springs
Are hidden and divine.
3 He waits in secret on his God;
His God in secret sees:
Let earth be all in arms abroad,
He dwells in heavenly peace.
4 His pleasures rise from things unseen,
Beyond this world and time,
Where neither eyes nor ears have been,
Nor thoughts of sinners climb.
5 He wants no pomp nor royal throne
To raise his figure here;
Content and pleas'd to live unknown,
Till Christ his life appear.
6 He looks to heaven's eternal hill
To meet that glorious day:
But patient waits his Saviour's will
To fetch his soul away.
Hymn 1:32.
Strength from heaven, Isa. 40. 27-30.
1 Whence do our mournful thoughts arise?
And where's our courage fled?
Has restless sin and raging hell
Struck all our comforts dead?
2 Have we forgot th' almighty Name
That form'd the earth and sea?
And can an all-creating arm
Grow weary or decay?
3 Treasures of everlasting might
In our Jehovah dwell;
He gives the conquest to the weak,
And treads their foes to hell.
4 Mere mortal power shall fade and die,
And youthful vigour cease;
But we that wait upon the Lord
Shall feel our strength increase.
5 The saints shall mount on eagles' wings
And taste the promis'd bliss,
Till their unwearied feet arrive
Where perfect pleasure is.
Hymn 1:33. [Supplement.]
The gospel the power of God to salvation, Rom. 1. 16.
1 Cor. 1. 18 24.
1 What shall the dying sinner do
That seeks relief for all his woe?
Where shall the guilty conscience find
Ease for the torment of the mind?
2 How shall we get our crimes forgiven,
Or form our natures fit for heaven?
Can souls all o'er defil'd with sin
Make their own powers and passions clean?
3 In vain we search, in vain we try,
Till Jesus bring his gospel nigh;
'Tis there such power and glory dwell
As saves rebellious souls from hell.
4 This is the pillar of our hope
That bears our fainting spirits up;
We read the grace, we trust the word,
And find salvation in the Lord.
5 Let men or angels dig the mines
Where nature's golden treasure shines,
Brought near the doctrine of the cross
All nature's gold appears but dross.
6 Should vile blasphemers with disdain
Pronounce the truths of Jesus vain,
I'll meet the scandal and the shame,
And sing and triumph in his Name.
Hymn 1:34. [Supplement.]
None excluded from hope, Rom. 1. 16. 1 Cor. 1. 24.
1 Jesus, thy blessings are not few,
Nor is thy gospel weak;
Thy grace can melt the stubborn Jew,
And bow th' aspiring Greek.
2 Wide as the reach of Satan's rage
Doth thy salvation flow;
'Tis not confin'd to sex or age,
The lofty or the low.
3 While grace is offer'd to the prince,
The poor may take their share;
No mortal has a just pretence
To perish in despair.
4 Be wise, ye men of strength and wit,
Nor boast your native powers;
But to his sovereign grace submit,
And glory shall be yours.
5 Come, all ye vilest sinners come,
He'll form your souls anew:
His gospel and his heart have room
For rebels such as you.
6 His doctrine is almighty love;
There's virtue in his Name
To turn the raven to a dove,
The lion to a lamb.
Hymn 1:35. [Supplement.]
Truth, sincerity, &c. Phil. 4. 8.
1 Let those who bear the Christian name
Their holy vows fulfil:
The saints, the followers of the Lamb,
Are men of honour still.
2 True to the solemn oath they take,
Tho' to their hurt they swear;
Constant and just to all they speak,
For God and angels hear.
3 Still with their lips their hearts agree,
Nor flattering words devise,
They know the God of truth can see
Thro' every false disguise.
4 They hate th' appearance of a lie
In all the shapes it wears;
They live the truth; and, when they die,
Eternal life is theirs.
5 While hypocrites and liars fly
Before the Judge's frown,
His faithful friends, who fear a lie,
Receive th' immortal crown.
Hymn 1:36. [Supplement.]
A lovely carriage.
1 O 'tis a lovely thing to see
A man of prudent heart,
Whose thoughts, and lips, and life agree
To act a useful part.
2 When envy, strife, and wars begin,
In little angry souls,
Mark how the sons of peace come in,
And quench the kindling coals.
3 Their minds are humble, mild, and meek,
Nor let their fury rise;
Nor passion moves their lips to speak,
Nor pride exalts their eyes.
4 Their frame is prudence mix'd with love,
Good works fulfil their day:
They join the serpent with the dove,
But cast the sting away.
5 Such was the Saviour of mankind;
Such pleasures he pursu'd;
His flesh and blood were all refin'd,
His soul divinely good.
6 Lord, can these plants of virtue grow
In such a heart as mine?
Thy grace my nature can renew,
And make my soul like thine.
Hymn 1:37. [Supplement.]
Zeal and Fortitude.
1 Do I believe what Jesus saith,
And think the gospel true?
Lord, make me bold to own my faith,
And practise virtue too.
2 Suppress my shame, subdue my fear,
Arm me with heavenly zeal,
That I may make thy power appear,
And works of praise fulfil.
3 If men shall see my virtue shine,
And spread my name abroad,
Thine is the power, the praise is thine,
My Saviour and my God.
4 Thus when the saints in glory meet,
Their lips proclaim thy grace;
They cast their honours at thy feet,
And own their borrow'd rays.
PAUSE.
5 Are we the soldiers of the cross?
The followers of the Lamb?
And shall we fear to own his cause,
Or blush to speak his name?
6 Now we must fight, if we would reign;
Increase our courage, Lord!
We'll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by thy word.
7 Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall Conquer tho' they're slain;
They see the triumph from afar,
And shall with Jesus reign.
8 When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all thy armies shine
In robes of victory thro' the skies,
The glory shall be thine.
Hymn 1:38. [Supplement.]
The universal law of equity. Matt. 8. 12.
1 Blessed Redeemer how divine,
How righteous is this rule of thine,
"To do to all men just the same
"As we expect or wish from them."
2 This golden lesson, short and plain,
Gives not the mind nor memory pain;
And every conscience must approve
This universal law of love.
3 How blest would every nation be,
Thus rul'd by love and equity!
All would be friends without a foe,
And form a paradise below.
4 Jesus, forgive us, that we keep
Thy sacred law of love asleep,
No more let envy, wrath, and pride,
But thy blest maxims be our guide.
Hymn 1:39.
God's tender care of his church, Isa. 13 &c.
1 How shall my inward joys arise
And burst into a song,
Almighty love inspires my heart,
And pleasure tunes my tongue.
2 God on his thirsty Sion-hill
Some mercy-drops has thrown,
And solemn oaths have bound his love
To shower salvation down.
3 Why do we then indulge our fears,
Suspicions and complaints?
Is he a God, and shall his grace
Grow weary of his saints?
4 Can a kind woman e'er forget
The infant of her womb,
And 'mongst a thousand tender thoughts
Her suckling have no room?
5 "Yet (saith the Lord) should nature change,
"And mothers monsters prove,
"Sion still dwells upon the heart
"Of everlasting love.
6 "Deep on the palms of both my hands
"I have engrav'd her name,
"My hands shall raise her ruin'd walls,
"And build her broken frame."
Hymn 1:40.
The business and blessedness of glorified saints,
Rev. 7. 13 &c.
1 "What happy men, or angels these
"That all their robes are spotless white?
"Whence did this glorious troop arrive
"At the pure realms of heavenly light?"
2 From tort'ring racks and burning fires,
And seas of their own blood they came;
But nobler blood has wash'd their robes,
Flowing from Christ the dying Lamb.
3 Now they approach th' almighty throne,
With loud hosannas night and day,
Sweet anthems to the great Three One
Measure their blest eternity.
4 No more shall hunger pain their souls,
He bids their parching thirst be gone,
And spreads the shadow of his wings
To screen them from the scorching sun.
5 The Lamb that fills the middle throne
Shall shed around his milder beams,
There shall they feast on his rich love,
And drink full joys from living streams.
6 Thus shall their mighty bliss renew
Thro' the vast round of endless years,
And the soft hand of sovereign grace
Heals all their wounds, and wipes their tears.
Hymn 1:41.
The same; or, The martyrs glorified, Rev. 7. 13 &c.
1 "These glorious minds, how bright they shine
"Whence all their white array?
"How came they to the happy seats
"Of everlasting day?"
2 From tort'ring pains to endless joys
On fiery wheels they rode,
And strangely wash'd their raiment white
In Jesus' dying blood.
3 Now they approach a spotless God,
And bow before his throne
Their warbling harps and sacred songs
Adore the Holy One.
4 The unveil'd glories of his face
Amongst his saints reside,
While the rich treasure of his grace
Sees all their wants supply'd.
5 Tormenting thirst shall leave their souls,
And hunger flee as fast;
The fruit of life's immortal tree
Shall be their sweet repast.
6 The Lamb shall lead his heavenly flock
Where living fountains rise,
And love divine shall wipe away
The sorrows of their eyes.
Hymn 1:42.
Divine wrath and mercy, Nahum 1, 2 &c.
1 Adore and tremble, for our God
Is a _consuming fire_;*
His jealous eyes his wrath inflame,
And raise his vengeance higher.
2 Almighty vengeance how it burns!
How bright his fury glows!
Vast magazines of plagues and storms
Lie treasur'd for his foes.
3 Those heaps of wrath by slow degrees
Are forced into a flame,
But kindled, O how fierce they blaze!
And rend all nature's frame.
4 At his approach the mountains flee,
And seek a watery grave;
The frighted sea makes haste away,
And shrinks up every wave.
5 Thro' the wide air the weighty rocks
Are swift as hailstones hurl'd:
Who dares engage his fiery rage
That shakes the solid world?
6 Yet, mighty God, thy sovereign grace
Sits regent on the throne,
The refuge of thy chosen race
When wrath comes rushing down.
7 Thy hand shall on rebellious kings
A fiery tempest pour,
While we beneath thy sheltering wings
Thy just revenge adore.
*Hebrews 12:29.
Hymn 1:43. [Supplement.]
The Christian treasure, 1 Cor. 3. 21.
1 How vast the treasure we possess!
How rich thy bounty, King of Grace!
This world is ours, and worlds to come
Earth is our lodge, and heaven our home.
2 All things are ours, the gifts of God;
The purchase of a Saviour's blood:
While the good Spirit shews us how
To use and to improve them too.
3 If peace and plenty crown my days,
They help, me, Lord, to speak thy praise!
If bread of sorrows be my food,
Those sorrows work my lasting good.
4 I would not change my blest estate
For all the world calls good or great:
And while my faith can keep her hold,
I envy not the sinner's gold.
5 Father, I wait thy daily will;
Thou shalt divide my portion still:
Grant me on earth what seems thee best,
Till death and heaven reveal the rest.
Hymn 1:44. [Supplement.]
The true improvement of life.
1 And is this life prolong'd to me?
Are days and seasons given?
O let me then prepare to be
A fitter heir of heaven.
2 In vain these moments shall not pass,
These golden hours be gone:
Lord, I accept thine offered grace,
I bow before thy throne.
3 Now cleanse my soul from every sin,
By my Redeemer's blood:
Now let my flesh and soul begin
The honours of my God.
4 Let me no more my soul beguile
With sin's deceitful toys:
Let cheerful hope increasing still
Approach to heavenly joys.
5 My thankful lips shall loud proclaim
The wonders of thy praise,
And spread the savour of thy Name
Where'er I spend my days.
6 On earth let my example shine,
And when I leave this state,
May heaven receive this soul of mine
To bliss supremely great.
Hymn 1:45.
The last judgment, Rev. 21. 5-8.
1 See where the great incarnate God
Fills a majestic throne,
While from the skies his awful voice
Bears the last judgment down.
2 ["I am the first, and I the last,
"Thro' endless years the same;
"I AM is my memorial still,
"And my eternal name.
3 "Such favours as a God can give
"My royal grace bestows;
"Ye thirsty souls come taste the streams
"Where life and pleasure flows.]
4 ["The saint that triumphs o'er his sins,
"I'll own him for a son,
"The whole creation shall reward
"The conquests he has won.
5 "But bloody hands and hearts unclean,
"And all the lying race,
"The faithless and the scoffing crew,
"That spurn at offer'd grace,
6 "They shall be taken from my sight,
"Bound fast in iron chains,
"And headlong plung'd into the lake
"Where fire and darkness reigns."
7 O may I stand before the Lamb,
When earth and seas are fled!
And hear the Judge pronounce my name
With blessings on my head!
8 May I with those for ever dwell
Who here were my delight,
While sinners banish'd down to hell,
No more offend my sight.
Hymn 1:46. [Supplement.]
The privileges of the living above the dead.
1 Awake, my zeal, awake, my love,
To serve my Saviour here below,
In works which perfect saints above
And holy angels cannot do.
2 Awake my charity, to feed
The hungry soul, and clothe the poor:
In heaven are found no sons of need,
There all these duties are no more.
3 Subdue thy passions, O my soul!
Maintain the fight, thy work pursue,
Daily thy rising sins control,
And be thy victories ever new.
4 The land of triumph lies on high,
There are no foes t' encounter there:
Lord, I would conquer till I die,
And finish all the glorious war.
5 Let every flying hour confess
I gain thy gospel fresh renown;
And when my life and labour cease,
May I possess the promis'd crown.
Hymn 1:47. [Supplement.]
Death of kindred improved.
1 Must friends and kindred drop and die?
And helpers be withdrawn?
While sorrow with a weeping eye
Counts up our comforts gone?
2 Be thou our comfort, mighty God!
Our helper and our friend:
Nor leave us in this dangerous road,
Till all our trials end.
3 O may our feet pursue the way
Our pious fathers led!
With love and holy zeal obey
The counsels of the dead.
4 Let us be wean'd from all below,
Let hope our grief expel,
While death invites our souls to go
Where our best kindred dwell.
Hymn 1:48.
The Christian race, Isa. 40. 28-31.
1 Awake, our souls, away, our fears,
Let every trembling thought be gone;
Awake and run the heavenly race,
And put a cheerful courage on.
2 True, 'tis a strait and thorny road,
And mortal spirits tire and faint;
But they forget the mighty God
That feeds the strength of every saint.
3 Thee, mighty God, whose matchless power
Is ever new and ever young,
And firm endures while endless years
Their everlasting circles run.
4 From thee the overflowing spring,
Our souls shall drink a fresh supply,
While such as trust their native strength
Shall melt away, and drop and die.
5 Swift as an eagle cuts the air
We'll mount aloft to thine abode,
On wings of love our souls shall fly,
Nor tire amidst the heavenly road.
Hymn 1:49.
The works of Moses and the Lamb, Rev. 15. 3.
1 How strong thine arm is, mighty God,
Who would not fear thy Name!
Jesus, how sweet thy graces are!
Who would not love the Lamb!
2 He has done more than Moses did,
Our Prophet and our King;
From bonds of hell he freed our souls,
And taught our lips to sing.
3 In the Red-sea by Moses' hand
Th' Egyptian host was drown'd;
But his own blood hides all our sins,
And guilt no more is found.
4 When thro' the desert Israel went,
With manna they were fed;
Our Lord invites us to his flesh,
And calls it living bread.
5 Moses beheld the promis'd land,
Yet never reach'd the place;
But Christ shall bring his followers home
To see his Father's face.
6 Then shall our love and joy be full,
And feel a warmer flame;
And sweeter voices tune the song
Of Moses and the Lamb.
Hymn 1:50.
The song of Zacharias, and the message of John
the Baptist; or, Light and salvation by Jesus Christ,
Luke 1. 68 &c. John 1. 29. 32.
1 Now be the God of Israel bless'd
Who makes his truth appear,
His mighty hand fulfils his word,
And all the oaths he sware.
2 Now he bedews old David's root
With blessings from the skies;
He makes the branch of promise grow,
The promis'd horn arise.
3 [John was the prophet of the Lord
To go before his face,
The herald which our Saviour God
Sent to prepare his ways.
4 He makes the great salvation known,
He speaks of pardon'd sins;
While grace divine and heavenly love
In its own glory shines.
5 "Behold the Lamb of God," he cries,
"That takes our guilt away:
"I saw the Spirit o'er his head
"On his baptizing day.]
6 "Be every vale exalted high,
"Sink every mountain low,
"The proud must stoop, and humble souls
"Shall his salvation know.
7 "The heathen realms with Israel's land
"Shall join in sweet accord;
"And all that's born of man shall see
"The glory of the Lord.
8 "Behold the morning star arise,
"Ye that in darkness sit;
"He marks the path that leads to peace,
"And guides our doubtful feet."
Hymn 1:51.
Persevering grace, Jude 24 25.
1 To God the only wise,
Our Saviour and our King,
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.
2 'Tis his almighty love,
His counsel, and his care,
Preserves us safe from sin and death,
And every hurtful snare.
3 He will present our souls
Unblemish'd and complete,
Before the glory of his face,
With joys divinely great.
4 Then all the chosen seed
Shall meet around the throne,
Shall bless the conduct of his grace,
And make his wonders known.
5 To our Redeemer God
Wisdom and power belongs,
Immortal crowns of majesty,
And everlasting songs.
Hymn 1:52.
Baptism, Matt. 28. 19. Acts 2. 38.
1 'Twas the commission of our Lord,
"Go, teach the nations, and baptize;"
The nations have receiv'd the word
Since he ascended to the skies.
2 He sits upon th' eternal hills,
With grace and pardon in his hands,
And sends his covenant with the seals,
To bless the distant British lands.
3 "Repent, and be baptiz'd, (he saith)
For the remission of your sins;"
And thus our sense assists our faith,
And shews us what his gospel means.
4 Our souls he washes in his blood,
As water makes the body clean;
And the good Spirit from our God
Descends like purifying rain.
5 Thus we engage ourselves to thee,
And seal our covenant with the Lord:
O may the great eternal Three
In heaven our solemn vows record!
Hymn 1:53.
The Holy Scriptures, Heb. 1. 1 2. 2 Tim. 3. 15 16.
Psalm 147. 19 20.
1 God who in various methods told
His mind and will to saints of old,
Sent down his Son, with truth and grace,
To teach us in these latter days.
2 Our nation reads the written word,
That book of life, that sure record:
The bright inheritance of heaven
Is by the sweet conveyance given.
3 God's kindest thoughts are here express'd,
Able to make us wise and bless'd;
The doctrines are divinely true,
Fit for reproof, and comfort too.
4 Ye British isles, who read his love
In long epistles from above,
(He hath not sent his sacred word
To every land) Praise ye the Lord.
Hymn 1:54.
Electing grace; or, Saints beloved in Christ,
Eph. 1. 3 &c.
1 Jesus, we bless thy Father's Name;
Thy God and ours are both the same:
What heavenly blessings from his throne
Flow down to sinners thro' his Son!
2 "Christ be my first elect," he said,
Then chose our souls in Christ our head,
Before he gave the mountains birth,
Or laid foundations for the earth.
3 Thus did eternal love begin
To raise us up from death and sin;
Our characters were then decreed,
"Blameless in love, a holy seed."
4 Predestinated to be sons,
Born by degrees, but chose at once;
A new regenerated race
To praise the glory of his grace.
5 With Christ our Lord we share our part
In the affections of his heart,
Nor shall our souls be thence remov'd
Till he forgets his first belov'd.
Hymn 1:55.
Hesekiah's song; or, Sickness and recovery, Isa. 38.9 &c.
1 When we are rais'd from deep distress
Our God deserves a song;
We take the pattern of our praise
From Hezekiah's tongue.
2 The gates of the devouring grave
Are open'd wide in vain,
If he that holds the keys of death
Commands them fast again.
3 Pains of the flesh are wont t' abuse
Our minds with slavish fears,
"Our days are past, and we shall lose
"The remnant of our years."
4 We chatter with a swallow's voice,
Or like a dove we mourn,
With bitterness instead of joys,
Afflicted and forlorn.
5 Jehovah speaks the healing word,
And no disease withstands;
Fevers and plagues obey the Lord,
And fly at his commands.
6 If half the strings of life should break,
He can our frame restore;
He casts our sins behind his back,
And they are found no more.
Hymn 1:56.
The song of Moses and the Lamb; or, Babylon falling,
Rev. 15. 3. and chap. 16. 19. and 17. 6.
1 We sing the glories of thy love,
We sound thy dreadful Name;
The Christian church unites the songs
Of Moses and the Lamb.
2 Great God, how wondrous are thy works
Of vengeance and of grace!
Thou King of saints, Almighty Lord,
How just and true thy ways!
3 Who dares refuse to fear thy Name,
Or worship at thy throne?
Thy judgments speak thine holiness
Thro' all the nations known.
4 Great Babylon, that rules the earth,
Drunk with the martyrs' blood,
Her crimes shall speedily awake
The fury of our God.
5 The cup of wrath is ready mix'd,
And she must drink the dregs;
Strong is the Lord her sovereign Judge,
And shall fulfil the plagues.
Hymn 1:57.
Original sin; or, The first and second Adam,
Rom. 5. 12. Psalm 51. 5. Job 11. 4.
1 Backward with humble shame we look
On our original;
How is our nature dash'd and broke
In our first father's fall!
2 To all that's good averse and blind,
But prone to all that's ill
What dreadful darkness veils our mind!
How obstinate our will!
3 [Conceiv'd in sin (O wretched state!)
Before we draw our breath,
The first young pulse begins to beat
Iniquity and death.
4 How strong in our degenerate blood
The old corruption reigns,
And, mingling with the crooked flood,
Wanders thro' all our veins!]
5 Wild and unwholesome as the root
Will all the branches be;
How can we hope for living fruit
From such a deadly tree?
6 What mortal power from things unclean
Can pure productions bring?
Who can command a vital stream
From an infected spring?]
7 Yet, mighty God, thy wondrous love
Can make our nature clean,
While Christ and grace prevail above
The tempter, death, and sin.
8 The second Adam shall restore
The ruins of the first,
Hosanna to that sovereign power
That new creates our dust.
Hymn 1:58.
The devil vanquished; or, Michael's war with the
dragon, Rev. 12. 7.
1 Let mortal tongues attempt to sing
The wars of heaven, when Michael stood
Chief general of th' Eternal King,
And fought the battles of our God.
2 Against the dragon and his host
The armies of the Lord prevail:
In vain they rage, in vain they boast,
Their courage sinks, their weapons fail.
3 Down to the earth was Satan thrown,
Down to the earth his legions fell;
Then was the trump of triumph blown,
And shook the dreadful deeps of hell.
4 Now is the hour of darkness past,
Christ hath assum'd his reigning power;
Behold the great accuser cast
Down from the skies, to rise no more.
5 'Twas by thy blood immortal Lamb,
Thine armies trod the tempter down;
'Twas by thy word and powerful Name,
They gain'd the battle and renown.
6 Rejoice, ye heavens; let every star
Shine with new glories round the sky;
Saints, while ye sing the heavenly war,
Raise your Deliverer's name on high.
Hymn 1:59.
Babylon fallen, Rev. 18. 20 21.
1 In Gabriel's hand a mighty stone
Lies, a fair type of Babylon
''Prophets, rejoice, and, all ye saints,
"God shall avenge your long complaints."
2 He said, and dreadful as he stood,
He sunk the milstone in the flood:
"Thus terribly shall Babel fall;
"Thus, and no more be found at all."
Hymn 1:60.
The virgin Mary's song; or, The promised Messiah
born, Luke 1. 46 &c.
1 Our souls shall magnify the Lord,
In God the Saviour we rejoice;
While we repeat the Virgin's song,
May the same spirit tune our voice.
2 [The Highest saw her low estate,
And mighty things his hand hath done:
His overshadowing power and grace
Makes her the mother of his Son.
3 Let every nation call her bless'd,
And endless years prolong her fame;
But God alone must be ador'd;
Holy and reverend is his Name.]
4 To those that fear and trust the Lord
His mercy stands for ever sure:
From age to age his promise lives,
And the performance is secure.
5 He spake to Abr'am and his seed,
"In thee shall all the earth be bless'd;"
The memory of that ancient word
Lay long in his eternal breast.
6 But now no more shall Israel wait,
No more the Gentiles lie forlorn:
Lo the desire of nations comes,
Behold the promis'd seed is born.
Hymn 1:61.
Christ our high Priest and King, and Christ coming
to judgment, Rev. 1. 5 6 7.
1 Now to the Lord that makes us know
The wonders of his dying love,
Be humble honours paid below,
And strains of nobler praise above.
2 'Twas he that cleans'd our foulest sins,
And wash'd us in his richest blood;
'Tis he that makes us priests and kings,
And brings us rebels near to God.
3 To Jesus our atoning priest,
To Jesus our superior king,
Be everlasting power confess'd,
And every tongue his glory sing.
4 Behold, on flying clouds he comes,
And every eye shall see him move;
Tho' with our sins we pierc'd him once,
Then he displays his pardoning love.
5 The unbelieving world shall wail
While we rejoice to see the day:
Come, Lord; nor let thy promise fail,
Nor let thy chariots long delay.
Hymn 1:62.
Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God, worshipped by all
the creation, Rev. 5. 11 12 13.
1 Come let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.
2 "Worthy the Lamb that dy'd," they cry,
"To be exalted thus:"
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply,
"For he was slain for us."
3 Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power divine;
And blessings more than we can give,
Be, Lord, for ever thine.
4 Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air, and earth, and seas,
Conspire to lift thy glories high,
And speak thine endless praise.
5 The whole creation join in one
To bless the sacred Name
Of him that sits upon the throne,
And to adore the Lamb.
Hymn 1:63.
Christ's humiliation and exaltation, Rev. 5. 12.
1 What equal honours shall we bring
To thee, O Lord our God, the Lamb,
When all the notes that angels sing
Are far inferior to thy Name?
2 Worthy is he that once was slain,
The Prince of Peace that groan'd and dy'd,
Worthy to rise, and live, and reign
At his Almighty Father's side.
3 Power and dominion are his due,
Who stood condemn'd at Pilate's bar:
Wisdom belongs to Jesus too,
Tho' he was charg'd with madness here.
4 All riches are his native right,
Yet he sustain'd amazing loss:
To him ascribe eternal might,
Who left his weakness on the cross.
5 Honour immortal must be paid,
Instead of scandal and of scorn:
While glory shines around his head,
And a bright crown without a thorn.
6 Blessings for ever on the Lamb,
Who bore the curse for wretched men:
Let angels sound his sacred Name,
And every creature say, Amen.
Hymn 1:64.
Adoption, 1 John 3. 1 &c. Gal. 4. 6.
1 Behold what wondrous grace
The Father hath bestow'd
On sinners of a mortal race,
To call them sons of God!
2 'Tis no surprising thing
That we should be unknown;
The Jewish world knew not their King,
God's everlasting Son.
3 Nor doth it yet appear
How great we must be made;
But when we see our Saviour here,
We shall be like our head.
4 A hope so much divine
May trials well endure,
May purge our souls from sense and sin,
As Christ the Lord is pure.
5 If in my Father's love
I share a filial part,
Send down thy Spirit like a dove
To rest upon my heart.
6 We would no longer lie
Like slaves beneath the throne;
My faith shall Abba, Father, cry,
And thou the kindred own.
Hymn 1:65.
The kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms
of our Lord; or, The day of judgment, Rev. 11. 15-18.
1 Let the seventh angel sound on high,
Let shouts be heard thro' all the sky;
Kings of the earth, with glad accord
Give up your kingdoms to the Lord.
2 Almighty God, thy power assume,
Who wast, and art, and art to come:
Jesus, the Lamb, who once was slain,
For ever live, for ever reign.
3 The angry nations fret and roar,
That they can slay the saints no more;
On wings of vengeance flies our God
To pay the long arrears of blood.
4 Now must the rising dead appear,
Now the decisive sentence hear;
Now the dear martyrs of the Lord
Receive an infinite reward.
Hymn 1:66.
Christ the King at his table, Cant. (Transcriber's Note:
Song of Solomon) 1. 2-5 12 13 17.
1 Let him embrace my soul, and prove
Mine interest in his heavenly love:
The voice that tells me, "Thou art mine,"
Exceeds the blessings of the vine.
2 On thee th' anointing Spirit came,
And spreads the savour of thy name;
That oil of gladness and of grace
Draws virgin souls to meet thy face.
3 Jesus, allure me by thy charms,
My soul shall fly into thine arms,
Our wandering feet thy favours bring
To the fair chambers of the King.
4 [Wonder and pleasure tune our voice
To speak thy praises and our joys:
Our memory keeps this love of thine
Beyond the taste of richest wine.]
5 Tho' in ourselves deform'd we are,
And black as Kedar tent appear,
Yet when we put thy beauties on,
Fair as the courts of Solomon.
6 While at his table sits the King,
He loves to see us smile and sing;
Our graces are our best perfume,
And breathe like spikenard round the room.]
7 As myrrh new bleeding from the tree,
Such is a dying Christ to me;
And while he makes my soul his guest,
My bosom, Lord, shall be thy rest.
8 [No beams of cedar or of fir
Can with thy courts on earth compare;
And here we wait until thy love
Raise us to nobler seats above.]
Hymn 1:67.
Seeking the pastures of Christ the Shepherd, Cant. 1.7.
1 Thou whom my soul admires above
All earthly joy, and earthly love,
Tell me, dear shepherd, let me know,
Where doth thy sweetest pasture grow?
2 Where is the shadow of that rock
That from the son defends thy flock?
Fain would I feed among thy sheep,
Among them rest, among them sleep.
3 Why should thy bride appear like one
That turns aside to paths unknown?
My constant feet would never rove,
Would never seek another love.
4 [The footsteps of thy flock I see;
Thy sweetest pastures here they be;
A wondrous feast thy love prepares,
Bought with thy wounds, and groans, and tears.
5 His dearest flesh he makes my food,
And bids me drink his richest blood;
Here to these hills my soul will come,
To my beloved lead me home.]
Hymn 1:68.
The banquet of love, Cant. 2. 1 2 3 4 6 7.
1 Behold the Rose of Sharon here,
The Lily which the vallies bear;
Behold the Tree of Life, that gives
Refreshing fruit and healing leaves.
2 Amongst the thorns so lilies shine,
Amongst wild gourds the noble vine;
So in mine eyes my Saviour proves
Amidst a thousand meaner loves.
3 Beneath his cooling shade I sat
To shield me from the burning heat;
Of heavenly fruit he spreads a feast
To feed my eyes and please my taste.
4 [Kindly he brought me to the place
Where stands the banquet of his grace,
He saw me faint, and o'er my head
The banner of his love he spread.
5 With living bread and generous wine
He cheers this sinking heart of mine;
And opening his own heart to me,
He shews his thoughts how kind they be.]
6 O never let my Lord depart,
Lie down and rest upon my heart;
I charge my sins not once to move
Nor stir, nor wake, nor grieve my Love.
Hymn 1:69.
Christ appearing to his church, and seeking her
company, Cant. 2. 1-13.
1 The voice of my beloved sounds
Over the rocks and rising grounds,
O'er hills of guilt, and seas of grief,
He leaps, he flies to my relief.
2 Now thro' the veil of flesh I see
With eyes of love he looks at me;
Now in the gospel's clearest glass
He shews the beauties of his face.
3 Gently he draws my heart along
Both with his beauties and his tongue;
"Rise," saith my Lord, "make haste away;
"No mortal joys are worth thy stay.
4 "The Jewish wintery state is gone,
"The mists are fled, the spring comes on,
"The sacred turtle-dove we hear
"Proclaim the new, the joyful year.
5 "Th' immortal vine of heavenly root
"Blossoms and buds, and gives her fruit:"
Lo, we are come to taste the wine;
Our souls rejoice and bless the vine.
6 And when we hear our Jesus say,
"Rise up, my love, make haste away!"
Our hearts would fain out-fly the wind,
And leave all earthly loves behind.
Hymn 1:70.
Christ inviting, and the church answering the
invitation, Cant. 2. 14 16 17.
1 [Hark, the Redeemer from on high
Sweetly invites his favourites nigh;
From caves of darkness and of doubt,
He gently speaks, and calls us out:
2 "My dove, who hidest in the rock,
"Thine heart almost with sorrow broke,
"Lift up thy face, forget thy fear,
"And let thy voice delight mine ear.
3 "Thy voice to me sounds ever sweet;
"My graces in thy countenance meet;
"Tho' the vain world thy face despise,
"'Tis bright and comely in mine eyes."
4 Dear Lord, our thankful heart receives
The hope thine invitation gives:
'To thee our joyful lips shall raise
The voice of prayer, and of praise.]
5 [I am my Love's, and he is mine;
Our hearts, our hopes, our passions join:
Nor let a motion, nor a word,
Nor thought arise to grieve my Lord.
6 My soul to pastures fair he leads,
Amongst the lilies where he feeds;
Amongst the saints (whose robes are white,
Wash'd in his blood) is his delight.
7 Till the day break, and shadows flee,
Till the sweet dawning light I see,
Thine eyes to me-ward often turn,
Nor let my soul in darkness mourn.
8 Be like a hart on mountains green,
Leap o'er the hills of fear and sin;
Nor guilt, nor unbelief divide
My Love, my Saviour from my side.]
Hymn 1:71.
Christ found in the street, and brought to the church,
Cant. 3. 1-5.
1 Often I seek my Lord by night,
Jesus, my love, my soul's delight;
With warm desire and restless thought
I seek him oft, but find him not.
2 Then I arise, and search the street
Till I my Lord, my Saviour meet;
I ask the watchmen of the night,
"Where did you see my soul's delight?"
3 Sometimes I find him in the way,
Directed by a heavenly ray;
I leap for joy to see his face,
And hold him fast in mine embrace.
4 [I bring him to my mother's home,
Nor does my Lord refuse to come,
To Sion's sacred chambers, where
My soul first drew the vital air.
5 He gives me there his bleeding heart,
Pierc'd for my sake with deadly smart;
I give my soul to him, and there
Our loves their mutual tokens share.]
6 I charge you all, ye earthly toys,
Approach not to disturb my joys;
Nor sin, nor hell come near my heart,
Nor cause my Saviour to depart.
Hymn 1:72.
The coronation of Christ, and espousals of the church,
Cant. 3. 2.
1 Daughters of Sion, come, behold
The crown of honour and of gold,
Which the glad church with joys unknown
Plac'd on the head of Solomon.
2 Jesus, thou everlasting King,
Accept the tribute which we bring,
Accept the well-deserv'd renown,
And wear our praises as thy crown.
3 Let every act of worship be
Like our espousals, Lord, to thee;
Like the dear hour, when from above
We first receiv'd thy pledge of love.
4 The gladness of that happy day,
Our hearts would wish it long to stay,
Nor let our faith forsake its hold,
Nor comfort sink, nor love grow cold.
5 Each following minute as it flies,
Increase thy praise, improve our joys,
Till we are rais'd to sing thy Name
At the great supper of the Lamb.
6 O that the months would roll away,
And bring that coronation-day!
The King of Grace shall fill the throne
With all his Father's glories on.
Hymn 1:73.
The church's beauty in the eyes of Christ,
Cant. 4. 1 10 11 7 9 8.
1 Kind is the speech of Christ our Lord,
Affection sounds in every word,
"Lo, thou art fair, my love, he cries,
"Not the young doves have sweeter eyes.
2 ["Sweet are thy lips, thy pleasing voice
"Salutes mine ear with secret joys,
"No spice so much delights the smell,
"Nor milk nor honey taste so well.]
3 "Thou art all fair, my bride, to me,
"I will behold no spot in thee."
What mighty wonders love performs,
And puts a comeliness on worms!
4 Defil'd and loathsome as we are,
He makes us white, and calls us fair;
Adorns us with that heavenly dress,
His graces and his righteousness.
5 "My sister, and my spouse," he cries,
"Bound to my heart by various ties,
"Thy powerful love my heart detains
"In strong delight and pleasing chains."
6 He calls me from the leopard's den,
From this wild world of beasts and men,
To Sion where his glories are;
Not Lebanon is half so fair.
7 Nor dens of prey, nor flowery plains
Nor earthly joys, nor earthly pains
Shall hold my feet, or force my stay,
When Christ invites my soul away.
Hymn 1:74.
The church the garden of Christ, Cant. 4. 12 14 15,
and 5. 1.
1 We are a garden wall'd around,
Chosen and made peculiar ground;
A little spot inclos'd by grace,
Out of the world's wide wilderness.