Scripture Verse

Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

Introduction

portrait
Ralph E. Hudson
1843–1901

Words: Is­aac Watts, cir­ca 1688. In a leng­thy di­scus­sion with his fa­ther, Watts ar­gued that sing­ing on­ly the Psalms made them miss much im­por­tant New Tes­ta­ment truth. Once his con­gre­ga­tion was con­vinced of what Is­aac was say­ing, he be­gan turn­ing out a new hymn a week.

But this one is the ve­ry first, mak­ing the words Pre­pare new hon­ors for His name, and songs be­fore un­known es­pe­cial­ly mean­ing­ful. This hymn al­so re­veals Watts’ am­az­ing breadth of Bib­li­cal know­ledge (he was on­ly a teen­ag­er at the time); there are al­lu­sions to ma­ny Scrip­ture pas­sag­es.

Music: Mar­tyr­dom Hugh Wil­son, 1800. Ar­ranged by Ralph E. Hud­son, cir­ca 1885 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Lyrics

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.