The Cure of Envy, Fretfulness, and Unbelief; or The Rewards of the Righteous and the Wicked

Why should I vex my soul, and fret

Author: Isaac Watts
Tune: WINDSOR (Tye)
Published in 37 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Why should I vex my soul, and fret
To see the wicked rise?
Or envy sinners waxing great,
By violence and lies?

2 As flow'ry grass cut down at noon,
Before the ev'ning fades,
So shall their glories vanish soon,
In everlasting shades.

3 Then let me make the Lord my trust,
And practice all that’s good;
So shall I dwell among the just,
And he’ll provide me food.

4 I to my God my ways commit,
And cheerful wait his will;
Thy hand which guides my doubtful feet,
Shall my desires fulfil.

5 Mine innocence shalt thou display,
And make thy judgments known,
Fair as the light of dawning day,
And glorious as the noon.

6 The meek at last the earth possess,
And are the heirs of heav’n;
True riches, with abundant peace,
To humble souls are giv’n.

7 Rest in the Lord, and keep his way,
Nor let your anger rise,
Though Providence should long delay,
To punish haughty vice.

8 Let sinners join to break your peace,
And plot, and rage, and foam;
The Lord derides them, for he sees
Their day of vengeance come.

9 They have drawn out the threat'ning sword,
Have bent the murd'rous bow,
To slay the men that fear the Lord,
And bring the righteous low.

10 My God shall break their bows, and burn
Their persecuting darts,
Shall their own swords against them turn,
And pierce their stubborn hearts.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #P.XXXVII.I

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Why should I vex my soul, and fret
Title: The Cure of Envy, Fretfulness, and Unbelief; or The Rewards of the Righteous and the Wicked
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #7677
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The Cyber Hymnal #7677

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