August 19, 2018 (Sunday)
Isaac Watts (1674-1748) wrote educational books on geography, astronomy, grammar, and philosophy, which were widely used throughout the 18th century. He is now best known, however, for his hymns, which included “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” His hymn, featured today, “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” is based on Psalm 90, which will be studied this Wednesday evening in our Bible Study at Bethel Baptist Church, Ingleside.
Our God, our Help in ages past,
our Hope for years to come,
our Shelter from the stormy blast,
and our eternal Home.
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
sufficient is Thine arm alone,
and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood
or earth received its frame,
from everlasting Thou art God,
to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in Thy sight
are like an ev’ning gone,
short as the watch that ends the night
before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
bears all its sons away;
they fly forgotten, as a dream
dies at the op’ning day.
Our God, our Help in ages past,
our Hope for years to come,
be Thou our Guide while life shall last,
and our eternal Home!