Introduction
1674–1748
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 99. Stones made children of Abraham.
Music: York. Melody from the Scottish Psalter, 1615. Harmony by John Milton (1562–1647) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Do not suppose that you can say to yourselves,
Matthew 3:9We have Abraham for our father
; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 99. Stones made children of Abraham.
Music: York. Melody from the Scottish Psalter, 1615. Harmony by John Milton (1562–1647) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Vain are the hopes that rebels place
Upon their birth and blood,
Descended from a pious race;
Their fathers now with God.
He from the caves of earth and hell
Can take the hardest stones
And fill the house of Abra’m well
With new-created sons.
Such wondrous power doth He possess
Who formed our mortal frame,
Who called the world from emptiness,
The world obeyed and came.