1 When the great Judge, supreme and just,
Shall once inquire for blood;
The humble souls that mourn in dust
Shall find a faithful God.
2 He from the dreadful gates of death
Does his own children raise;
In Zion’s gates with cheerful breath,
They sing their Father’s praise.
3 His foes shall fall with heedless feet,
Into the pit they made;
And sinners perish in the net
That their own hands have spread.
4. Thus by thy judgment, mighty God,
Are thy deep counsels known;
When men of mischief are destroy'd,
The snare must be their own.
5 The wicked shall sink down to hell;
Thy wrath devour the lands
That dare forget thee, or rebel
Against thy known commands.
6 Though saints to sore distress are brought,
And wait, and long complain,
Their cries shall never be forgot,
Nor shall their hopes be vain.
7 [Rise, great Redeemer, from thy seat,
To judge and save the poor;
Let nations tremble at thy feet,
And man prevail no more.
8 Thy thunder shall affright the proud,
And put their hearts to pain,
Make them confess, that thou art God,
And they but feeble men.]
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.IX.II
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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