Born in Southampton, (UK) Dr. Watts became known as the father of English hymnody. The story goes that one day after returning from a Dissenting meeting house, the young Watts complained about the poor content of the Psalmody; he said that it is as if Jesus had never come! His Father then turned to him and told young Isaac to produce something better. And so he did, producing some of the most wonderful Christ – centred hymns in the language. Watts became known as the ‘Father of English hymns’.
1.
Now to the Lord a noble song!
Awake, my soul; awake, my tongue;
Hosannah to th’ Eternal Name,
And all His boundless love proclaim.
2.
See where it shines in Jesus’ face,
The brightest image of His grace;
God, in the person of His Son,
Has all His mightiest works outdone.
3.
The spacious earth and spreading flood
Proclaim the wise and powerful God;
And Thy rich glories from afar
Sparkle in ev’ry rolling star.
4.
But in His looks a glory stands,
The noblest labour of Thine hands;
The pleasing lustre of His eyes
Outshines the wonders of the skies.
5.
Grace! ’tis sweet, a charming theme;
My thoughts rejoice at Jesus’ name:
Ye angels, dwell upon the sound!
Ye heav’ns reflect it to the ground!
6.
O may I live to reach the place
Where He unveils His lovely face!
Where all His beauties you behold,
And sings His name to harps of gold!
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