1. Behold the glories of the Lamb, Amidst His Father's throne; Prepare Dew honours for His name, And songs before unknown. 2. Let elders worship at His feet; The church adore around; With vials full of odours sweet, And harps of sweeter sound. 3. 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. 4. Eternal Father, who shall look Into thy secret will? Who but the Son shall take that book, And open every seal? 5. He shall fulfil thy great decrees; The Son deserves it well; Lo! in his hands the sovereign keys Of heaven, and death, and hell. 6. Now to the Lamb that once was slain, Be endless blessings paid; Salvation, glory, joy remain For ever on Thy head. 7. Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood, Hast set the prisoners free, Hast made us kings and priests to God, And we shall reign with Thee. 8. The worlds of nature and of grace Are put beneath Thy power; Then shorten these, delaying days, And bring the promised hour.
Lyrics: Isaac Watts
Music: Henry Lahee
Tune: NATIVITY
Meter: C.M.
Isaac Watts (1674–1748)
This was the first hymn written by Isaac Watts, known as the “Father of English Hymnody.” It was written about 1694 and published in 1707. This hymn was written in response to a challenge, issued by his father, Isaac Watts, Sr., to write a hymn for congregational use. Prior to that time, the Above Bar Congregational Church that the Watts family attended in Southampton, England had only sung version sof the Psalms that had been set to music.