 |
| The hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, was written by Isaac Watts, and published in Hymns and Spiritual Songs in 1707. It is significant for being an innovative departure from the early English hymn style of only using paraphrased biblical texts. |
Born in Southampton, Watts was brought up in the home of a committed
Nonconformist — his father, also Isaac Watts, had been incarcerated
twice for his controversial views. At King Edward VI School (where one
of the houses is now named “Watts” in his honour), he learned Latin,
Greek and Hebrew and displayed a propensity for rhyme at home, driving
his parents to the point of distraction on many occasions with his
verse.
Watts, unable to go to either Oxford or Cambridge due to his
Non-conformity, went to the Dissenting Academy at Stoke Newington in
1690.
His education led him to the pastorate of a large Independent Chapel
in London, and he also found himself in the position of helping trainee
preachers, despite poor health. Taking work as a private tutor, he lived
with the non-conformist Hartopp family at Fleetwood House, Abney Park
in Stoke Newington, and later in the household of Sir Thomas Abney and
Lady Mary Abney at Theobalds, Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, and at their
second residence, Abney House, Stoke Newington. Though a non-conformist,
Sir Thomas practiced occasional conformity to the Church of England as
necessitated by his being Lord Mayor of London 1700–01. Likewise Isaac
Watts held religious opinions that were more non-denominational or
ecumenical than was at that time common for a non-conformist; having a
greater interest in promoting education and scholarship, than preaching
for any particular ministry.
On the death of Sir Thomas Abney, Watts moved permanently with widow,
Lady Mary Abney, and her remaining daughter, to their second home,
Abney House, at Abney Park in Stoke Newington – a property that Mary had
inherited from her brother along with title to the Manor itself. The
beautiful grounds at Abney Park, which became Watts’ permanent home from
1736 to 1748, led down to an island heronry in the Hackney Brook where
Watts sought inspiration for the many books and hymns written during
these two decades. He died there in Stoke Newington and was buried in
Bunhill Fields, having left behind him a massive legacy, not only of
hymns, but also of treatises, educational works, essays and the like.
His work was influential amongst independents and early religious
revivalists in his circle, amongst whom was Philip Doddridge who
dedicated his best known work to Watts. On his death, Isaac Watts’
papers were given to Yale University; an institution with which he was
connected due to its being founded predominantly by fellow Independents
(Congregationalists).
"When I Survey The Wondrous Cross" sung
by Gary Simpson and Colin Manson
by Gary Simpson and Colin Manson
When I Survey The Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
* * *
[Added by the compilers of Hymns Ancient and Modern]
To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Constructive comments are appreciated. All comments are moderated and do not immediately appear after publishing. Thanks and have a nice day!