Watchfulness over the Tongue; or, Prudence and Zeal

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Thus I resolved before the Lord

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 49 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Thus I resolved before the LORD,
"Now will I watch my tongue;
lest I let slip one sinful word,
or do my neighbor wrong."

2 And if I'm e'er constrained to stay
with men of lives profane,
I'll set a double guard that day,
nor let my talk be vain.

3 I'll scarce allow my lips to speak
the pious thoughts I feel,
lest scoffers should th'occasion take
to mock my holy zeal.

4 Yet if some proper hour appear,
I'll not be overawed,
but let the scoffing sinners hear
that we can speak for God.

Source: Psalms and Hymns to the Living God #39A

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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 >

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First Line:	Thus I resolved before the Lord
Title:	Watchfulness over the Tongue; or, Prudence and Zeal
Author:	Isaac Watts
Meter:	8.6.8.6
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain