Tag: Isaac Watts 1674-1748

  • I SING THE MIGHTY POWER OF GOD

    Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, with alterations by others He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the rivers unto the ends of the earth. (Psalm 72:8 KJV) Isaac Watts, the father of English hymnody, had a fervent concern about the dismal state of congregational singing that had developed in the English-speaking churches during…

  • AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

    Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Endure hardship with us like a good solder of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) The Church founded by Christ has been built on the blood of martyrs. It has been estimated that at least…

  • WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified Him. (John 19:17, 18) While preparing for a communion service in 1707, Isaac Watts wrote this deeply moving and very personal expression of gratitude for the amazing love…

  • WE’RE MARCHING TO ZION

    Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 You have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. (Hebrews 12:22) Should we sing psalms or hymns in our church services? This was the controversy stirring many congregations during the 17th and 18th centuries. Isaac Watts was the life-long champion of the “humanly composed” hymn…

  • O GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. (Psalm 90:1, 2) It has been wisely said that no thinking person ever regarded the beginning of a new…

  • JESUS SHALL REIGN

    Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. (Psalm 50:1) The spread of Christianity has been phenomenal. In spite of cruel persecution of Christ’s followers in the first three centuries A.D. and from time to time through…

  • JOY TO THE WORLD

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” (Luke 2:10) As one of the most joyous of all Christmas hymns, this carol omits references to shepherds, angelic choruses, and wise men. It emphasizes…

  • JOIN ALL THE GLORIOUS NAMES

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Praise be to His glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with His glory. (Psalm 72:19) “Wisdom,” “love,” “power,” “prophet,” “priest,” “king,” “almighty Lord,” “conqueror,” “captain”—these are the names and titles used throughout the stanzas of this hymn to describe our Lord. But the conclusion is this: The…

  • AM I A SOLDIER OF THE CROSS?

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Endure hardship with us like a good solder of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) The Church founded by Christ has been built on the blood of martyrs. It has been estimated that…

  • WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS

    Amazing Grace Isaac Watts, 1674–1748 Carrying His own cross, He went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified Him. (John 19:17, 18) While preparing for a communion service in 1707, Isaac Watts wrote this deeply moving and very personal expression of gratitude for the amazing love…