The Sufferings and Death of christ

Representative Text

1 Why has my God my soul forsook,
Nor will a smile afford?
(Thus David once in anguish spoke,
And thus our dying Lord.)

2 Though ’tis thy chief delight to dwell
Among thy praising saints,
Yet thou canst hear a groan as well,
And pity our complaints.

3 Our fathers trusted in thy name,
And great deliv'rance found;
But I’m a worm despis'd of men,
And trodden to the ground.

4 With shaking head they pass me by,
And laugh my soul to scorn;
In vain he trusts in God, they cry,
Neglected and forlorn.

5 But thou art he who form'd my flesh,
By thine almighty word;
And since I hung upon the breast
My hope is in the Lord.

6 Why will my Father hide his face,
When foes stand threat'ning round,
In the dark hour of deep distress,
And not a helper found?

7 Behold Thy darling left among
The cruel and the proud,
By foes encompass'd fierce and strong,
As lions roaring loud.

8 From earth and hell my sorrows meet,
To multiply the smart;
They nail my hands, they pierce my feet,
And try to vex my heart.

9 Yet if thy sovereign hand let loose
The rage of earth and hell,
Why will my heav’nly Father bruise
The son he loves so well?

10 My God, if possible it be,
Withhold this bitter cup
But I resign my will to thee,
And drink the sorrows up.

11 My heart dissolves with pangs unknown,
In groans I waste my breath;
Thy heavy hand has brought me down
Low as the dust of death.

12 Father, I give my spirit up,
And trust it in thy hand;
My dying flesh shall rest in hope,
And rise at thy command.

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.XXII.I

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 >

Text Information

First Line: Why has my God my soul forsook
Title: The Sufferings and Death of christ
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.6.8.6
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #7413
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The Cyber Hymnal #7413

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