1 The heav'ns declare Thy glory, LORD;
in every star Thy wisdom shines;
but when our eyes behold Thy word,
we read Thy name in fairer lines.
2 The rolling sun, the changing light,
and nights and days Thy pow'r confess;
but the blest volume Thou hast writ
reveals Thy justice and Thy grace.
3 Sun, moon, and stars convey Thy praise
round the whole earth, and never stand;
so when Thy truth began its race,
it touched and glanced on every land.
4 Nor shall Thy spreading gospel rest
till through the world Thy truth has run;
till Christ has all the nations blest
that see the light, or feel the sun.
5 Great Sun of righteousness, arise,
bless the dark world with heav'nly light:
Thy gospel makes the simple wise;
Thy laws are pure, Thy judgments right.
6 Thy noblest wonders here we view
in souls renewed and sins forgiv'n;
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
and make Thy word my guide to heav'n.
Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #19A
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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