1 O that I knew the secret place
Where I might find my God!
I'd spread my wants before His face,
And pour my woes abroad.
2 I'd tell Him how my sins arise,
What sorrows I sustain,
How grace decays, and comfort dies,
And leaves my heart in pain.
3 He knows what arguments I'd take
To wrestle with my God;
I'd plead for His own mercy's sake,
And for my Savior's blood.
4 My God will pity my complaints,
And heal my broken bones;
He takes the meaning of His saints,
The language of their groans.
5 Arise, my soul, from deep distress,
And banish every fear;
He calls thee to His throne of grace,
To spread thy sorrows there.
Source: African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal #338
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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