The First English Hymn
When Isaac Watts was a teenager, he set about trying to convince his father and other authority figures that changes needed to be made in the worship services. In the mid 17th century, only the Psalms were sung in church. To people of that time writing new hymns was equivilant to altering Scripture. He must have been a very persuasive young man, because he was able to convince them, and what follows is the first hymn witten in English for public use. Reading the lyrics, I can't help but wonder how many modern teens would have such biblical knowledge...
Behold the glories of the Lamb Amidst His Father’s throne. Prepare new honors for His name, And songs before unknown.
Let elders worship at His feet, The Church adore around, With vials full of odors sweet, And harps of sweeter sound.
Those are the prayers of the saints, And these the hymns they raise; Jesus is kind to our complaints, He loves to hear our praise.
Eternal Father, who shall look Into Thy secret will? Who but the Son should take that Book And open every seal?
He shall fulfill Thy great decrees, The Son deserves it well; Lo, in His hand the sovereign keys Of Heav’n, and death, and hell!
Now to the Lamb that once was slain Be endless blessings paid; Salvation, glory, joy remain Forever on Thy head.
Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood, Hast set the prisoner free; Hast made us kings and priests to God, And we shall reign with Thee.
The worlds of nature and of grace Are put beneath Thy power; Then shorten these delaying days, And bring the promised hour.
-Isaac Watts, 1688
