Behold the cornerstone

Representative Text

Behold the Corner-Stone,
Which God in Zion lays,
To build our heav’nly hopes upon,
And his eternal praise!

The Jewish scribe and priest
Reject it with disdain;
Yet on this Rock shall Zion rest,
And envy rage in vain.

The work, O Lord, is thine,
And wond’rous in our eyes;
This day declares it all divine;
This day did Jesus rise.

How glorious is the day,
By our Redeemer made!
Let us rejoice, and sing, and pray,
Let all the church be glad.

Hosanna to the King
Of David’s royal blood!
Bless him, ye saints, he comes to bring
Salvation from your God.

We bless thy holy word,
Which all his grace displays;
And offer on thine altar, Lord,
Our sacrifice of praise.

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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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