Religion
Hymn II.151: Prophecy and inspiration
From Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book II (1707)
'Twas by an order from the Lord
The ancient prophets spoke his word;
His Spirit did their tongues inspire,
And warmed their hearts with heav'nly fire.
The works and wonders which they wrought
Confirmed the messages they brought;
The prophet's pen succeeds his breath,
To save the holy words from death.
Great God, mine eyes with pleasure look
On the dear volume of thy book;
There my Redeemer's face I see,
And read his name who died for me.
Let the false raptures of the mind
Be lost, and vanish in the wind;
Here I can fix my hope secure;
This is thy word, and must endure.
Cite this poem
MLA
Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.151: Prophecy and inspiration.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/656/.
Chicago
Watts, Isaac. “Hymn II.151: Prophecy and inspiration.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/656/.
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More by Isaac Watts
- Psalm 10: Prayer heard, saints saved; or, Pride, atheism, and oppressors punished. For a humiliation day
- Psalm 84, Part 2: God and his church; or, Grace and glory
- Psalm 145, Part 3: Mercy to sufferers; or, God hearing prayer
- Hymn I.127: Christ's invitation to sinners, or, Humility and pride
- Hymn II.132: The offices of Christ