Scripture Verse

Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence. 1 Corinthians 1:26–29

Introduction

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Sac­red Songs, Book 1, 1707, num­ber 96. Elec­tion ex­cludes boast­ing.

Music: Downs Lo­well Ma­son, 1832 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Lowell Mason
1792–1872

Lyrics

But few among the carnal wise,
But few of noble race,
Obtain the favor of Thine eyes,
Almighty King of grace.

He takes the men of meanest name
For sons and heirs of God;
And thus He pours abundant shame
On honorable blood.

He calls the fool, and makes him know
The mysteries of His grace,
To bring aspiring wisdom low,
And all its pride abase.

Nature has all its glories lost
When brought before His throne;
No flesh shall in His presence boast,
But in the Lord alone.