Another Nerdy Post About Hymns

I have been on a hymn reading kick this past couple of weeks, which is always a welcome thing for me. I have been reading Isaac Watts hymns in particular, and when I read them I like to have my guitar close by. I rediscovered a hymn that I had read months ago and set to a tune. I refreshed my memory on how it goes and thought to myself, "Why did I forget about this hymn and this tune."

Then I realized that Sojourn Community Church here in Louisville had recently put out a CD of Isaac Watts' hymns, and this hymn was the title track. So naturally I wanted to check it out and see if their tune was as good or better than mine. I listened and although I am biased of course, I think my tune is better. Their tune is good, but somewhat difficult to sing, plus they do not use all of the text which is somewhat of a pet peeve of mine, especially when it all of the text is good.

The song starts with confession of sin, and moves to praise of God's grace for it's protection and preservation power over sinners. I want to post it for you here and let you enjoy.

Lord we confess our numerous faults,

How great our guilt has been!

Foolish and vain were all our thoughts,

And all our lives were sin.

But O my soul forever praise,

Forever love His name,

Who turns Thy feet from dangerous ways

Of folly sin and shame.

Tis from the mercy of our God

That all our hopes begin

Tis by the water and the blood

Our souls are washed from sin.

Tis not by works of righteousness

Which our own hands have done;

But we are saved by sovereign grace

Abounding through His Son.

Tis through the purchase of His death

Who hung upon the tree,

The Spirit is sent down to breathe

On such dry bones as we.

Raised from the dead to live anew;

And justified by grace,

We shall appear in glory too,

And see our Father’s face.