BEHOLD THE GLORIES OF THE LAMB
"Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29
Words: Isaac Watts, circa 1688. This is the first hymn in the English
language designed for public worship. In a lengthy discussion with his
father, the young Watts argued that singing only the Psalms in church
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.
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 the 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.