1 How long wilt thou conceal Thy face?
My God, how long delay?
When shall I feel those heav’nly rays
That chase my fears away?
2 How long shall my poor lab'ring soul
Wrestle and toil in vain?
Thy word can all my foes control
And ease my raging pain.
3 See how the Prince of darkness tries
All his malicious arts;
He spreads a mist around mine eyes,
And throws his fiery darts.
4 Be thou my sun, and thou my shield,
My soul in safety keep;
Make haste before mine eyes are seal'd
In death’s eternal sleep.
5 How would the tempter boast aloud,
Should I become his prey!
Behold, the sons of hell grow proud
To see thy long delay.
6 But they shall fly at thy rebuke,
And Satan hide his head;
He knows the terrors of thy look,
And hears thy voice with dread.
7 Thou wilt display that sov'reign grace
Whence all my comforts spring:
I shall employ my lips in praise,
And thy salvation sing.
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.XIII
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >
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