Scripture Verse

The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Introduction

portrait
William Tans’ur
1700–1783

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spir­i­tu­al Songs, 1706–09, Book 2, num­ber 163. Com­plaint of de­ser­tion and temp­ta­tions.

Music: Ban­gor Will­iam Tan­s’ur, 1734 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Lyrics

Dear Lord! behold our sore distress;
Our sins attempt to reign;
Stretch out Thine arm of conquering grace,
And let Thy foes be slain.

The lion with his dreadful roar
Affrights Thy feeble sheep:
Reveal the glory of Thy power,
And chain him to the deep.

Must we indulge a long despair?
Shall our petitions die?
Our mournings never reach Thine ear,
Nor tears affect Thine eye?

If Thou despise a mortal groan,
Yet hear a Savior’s blood;
An advocate so near the throne
Pleads and prevails with God.

He brought the Spirit’s powerful sword
To slay our deadly foes;
Our sins shall die beneath Thy Word,
And hell in vain oppose.

How boundless is our Father’s grace,
In height, and depth, and length!
He makes his Son our righteousness,
His Spirit is our strength.