Imperfection of Nature, and Perfection of Scripture

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Let all the heathen writers join

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 133 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Piano/Organ
	All Glory, Laud and Honor (Organ express…

Representative Text

If faithless writers spend long hours
to shape one perfect book,
great God, if once compared to yours,
how pointless theirs would look!

Not any perfect rules they gave
could show one sin forgiven,
nor lead a step beyond the grave,
but yours conduct to heaven!

Our faith, our love, and every grace,
fall far below your word,
for perfect truth and righteousness
dwell only with the Lord.

Source: In Melody and Songs: hymns from the Psalm versions of Isaac Watts #78

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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:	Let all the heathen writers join
Title:	Imperfection of Nature, and Perfection of Scripture
Author:	Isaac Watts
Meter:	8.6.8.6
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain

Psalm 119
(hymns)

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Tune

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

PROVIDENCE (Straub)

MAITLAND (Allen)

PRECIOUS LORD, the tune Thomas Dorsey used for his most beloved hymn, "Precious Lord, take my hand", is an adaptation of MAITLAND. Sometimes Dorsey is shown as the composer, sometimes as the arranger or adapter the tune. MAITLAND is often attributed to Allen, but the earliest known sources (H.W. Bee…

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