Hymns And Spiritual Songs By Isaac Watts

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 HolyScriptures. 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 LambAmidst his Father’s thronePrepare 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 lookInto 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 keysOf heaven, and death, and hell!] 6 Now to the Lamb that once was slain Be endless blessings paid;Salvation, glory, joy remainFor 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 graceAre 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 abodeTo 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 reignWith a peculiar sway;The nations shall his grace obtain, His kingdom ne’er decay.] 4 To bring the glorious newsA 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 divineLet 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 revealRefines the heart from sense and sin, And stamps its own celestial seal. 3 ‘Tis God’s inimitable handThat 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 sighBe 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 tooThat strikes our comforts dead. Hymn 1:6.Triumph over death, Job 19. 25-27. 1 Great God, I own thy sentence justAnd nature must decay;I yield my body to the dustTo 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 appearHigh 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 faceWith strong immortal eyes,And feast upon thy unknown graceWith 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 soundsWith 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’dA soul reviving feast,And bids your longing appetitesThe 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 hereIn a rich ocean join;Salvation in abundance flows,Like floods of milk and wine. 6 [Ye perishing and naked poor,Who work with mighty painTo weave a garment of your ownThat will not hide your sin, 7 Come naked, and adorn your soulsIn 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 graceStand 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 placeWhere we adoring stand,Zion the glory of the earth,And beauty of the land! 2 Bulwarks of mighty grace defendThe 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 obeyThe 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 graveTheir lofty heads shall bow.] 7 [On Babylon our feet shall treadIn 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 livesTo 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 oathThe riches of his grace. 4 Come, and he’ll cleanse our spotted souls, And wash away our stains,In the dear fountain that his SonPour’d from his dying veins. 5 [Our guilt shall vanish all awayTho’ 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 soulsLike 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 awayThat 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 soulsTo 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 feetWho 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 earsThat hear this joyful sound,Which kings and prophets waited for, And sought, but never found! 4 How blessed are our eyesThat 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 armThro’ all the earth abroadLet every nation now beholdTheir 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 GodThat deals his graces as he please, Nor gives to mortals an accountOr 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 graceBy 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 GodCome to be suckled and ador’dTh’ eternal Father, Prince of Peace, The son of David, and his Lord. 4 The government of earth and seasUpon his shoulders shall be laidHis wide dominions still increase,And honours to his name be paid. 5 Jesus the holy child shall sitHigh 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 streamO’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 bearAll 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 SonOf 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’dIn our Immanuel’s name. 3 Bless’d he that comes to wretched men With peaceful news from heaven;Hosannas of the highest strainTo Christ the Lord be given. 4 Let mortals ne’er refuse to takeTh’ 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 faithTo 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 victoryImmortal 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 lifeEnd 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 delightThe good old man was fill’d,When fondly in his wither’d armsHe 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 faceHath overpowering charmsScarce 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 wormHe makes his graces shine. 3 And lest the shadow of a spotShould on my soul be found,He took the robe the Saviour wrought, And cast it all around. 4 How far the heavenly robe exceedsWhat 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 workThe robe of righteousness. 6 Strangely, my soul, art thou array’d By the great sacred Three:In sweetest harmony of praiseLet 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 appearsTo 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 downAdorn’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 shameIn this vile world of flesh and blood Defil’d my nobler frame! 3 For ever blessed be thy graceThat 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 nearThat 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 fearTo 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 thenSo 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 easeTheir pained hearts or aching heads, Nor fright nor bribe approaching deathFrom glittering roofs and downy beds. 3 The lingering, the unwilling soulThe dismal summons must obey,And bid a long a sad farewellTo 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 lieAmongst 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 throneA 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 bookFrom him that sits upon the throne: Jesus, my Lord, prevails to lookOn dark decrees, and things unknown.] 4 All the assembling saints aroundFall worshipping before the Lamb,And in new songs of gospel-soundAddress their honours to his name, 5 The joy, the shout, the harmonyFlies 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 revealEternal 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 rebelAre 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 hopeThat they should never die. 3 What tho’ our inbred sins requireOur flesh to see the dust!Yet as the Lord our Saviour rose,So all his followers must. 4 There’s an inheritance divineReserv’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 hereTill 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 meA crown which cannot fade;The righteous Judge at that great day Shall place it on my head. 4 Nor hath the King of grace decreedThis prize for me alone;But all that love and long to seeTh’ appearance of his Son. 5 Jesus the Lord shall guard me safeFrom every ill design;And to his heavenly kingdom keepThis feeble soul of mine. 6 God is my everlasting aidAnd 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 skiesBefore the dawn restore the light. 3 Look, how rebellious men derideThe 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 combineTo form a life whose holy springsAre 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 throneTo raise his figure here;Content and pleas’d to live unknown, Till Christ his life appear. 6 He looks to heaven’s eternal hillTo 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 hellStruck all our comforts dead? 2 Have we forgot th’ almighty NameThat form’d the earth and sea?And can an all-creating armGrow weary or decay? 3 Treasures of everlasting mightIn 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 LordShall feel our strength increase. 5 The saints shall mount on eagles’ wings And taste the promis’d bliss,Till their unwearied feet arriveWhere 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 doThat 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 hopeThat 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 minesWhere nature’s golden treasure shines, Brought near the doctrine of the crossAll 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 rageDoth 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 pretenceTo 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 roomFor rebels such as you. 6 His doctrine is almighty love;There’s virtue in his NameTo 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 seeThro’ every false disguise. 4 They hate th’ appearance of a lieIn all the shapes it wears;They live the truth; and, when they die, Eternal life is theirs. 5 While hypocrites and liars flyBefore 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 seeA 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 shineIn 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 approveThis 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 keepThy 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 ariseAnd burst into a song,Almighty love inspires my heart,And pleasure tunes my tongue. 2 God on his thirsty Sion-hillSome 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 graceGrow weary of his saints? 4 Can a kind woman e’er forgetThe 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 throneTheir warbling harps and sacred songs Adore the Holy One. 4 The unveil’d glories of his faceAmongst 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 treeShall be their sweet repast. 6 The Lamb shall lead his heavenly flock Where living fountains rise,And love divine shall wipe awayThe sorrows of their eyes. Hymn 1:42.Divine wrath and mercy, Nahum 1, 2 &c. 1 Adore and tremble, for our GodIs 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 rageThat shakes the solid world? 6 Yet, mighty God, thy sovereign grace Sits regent on the throne,The refuge of thy chosen raceWhen wrath comes rushing down. 7 Thy hand shall on rebellious kingsA 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 comeEarth 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 howTo 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 estateFor 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 beA 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 beginThe honours of my God. 4 Let me no more my soul beguileWith sin’s deceitful toys:Let cheerful hope increasing stillApproach to heavenly joys. 5 My thankful lips shall loud proclaim The wonders of thy praise,And spread the savour of thy NameWhere’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 GodFills 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 dwellWho 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 feedThe 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 confessI 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 eyeCounts 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 wayOur pious fathers led!With love and holy zeal obeyThe 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 GodThat 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 airWe’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’ handTh’ 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 songOf 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’dWho makes his truth appear,His mighty hand fulfils his word,And all the oaths he sware. 2 Now he bedews old David’s rootWith blessings from the skies;He makes the branch of promise grow, The promis’d horn arise. 3 [John was the prophet of the LordTo go before his face,The herald which our Saviour GodSent 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 skiesTheir 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 soulsUnblemish’d and complete,Before the glory of his face,With joys divinely great. 4 Then all the chosen seedShall meet around the throne,Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. 5 To our Redeemer GodWisdom 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 wordSince 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 GodDescends like purifying rain. 5 Thus we engage ourselves to thee,And seal our covenant with the Lord: O may the great eternal ThreeIn 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 toldHis 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 heavenIs 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 wordTo 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 throneFlow 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 beginTo 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 raceTo 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 praiseFrom Hezekiah’s tongue. 2 The gates of the devouring graveAre open’d wide in vain,If he that holds the keys of deathCommands 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 holinessThro’ all the nations known. 4 Great Babylon, that rules the earth, Drunk with the martyrs’ blood,Her crimes shall speedily awakeThe 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 lookOn our original;How is our nature dash’d and brokeIn our first father’s fall! 2 To all that’s good averse and blind, But prone to all that’s ill