HOW blest are they who keep God’s Word, And follow His commands; With all their heart they seek the Lord, And serve Him with their hands.
O that the Lord would guide my ways To keep His statutes still! O that my God would grant me grace To know and do His will!
How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin? Thy Word the only power imparts To keep the conscience clean.
My lips with boldness shall declare Thy statutes and Thy name; I’ll speak Thy Word that all may hear Of Thy great saving fame.
To think upon Thy precepts, Lord, Shall be my sweet employ: My heart shall not forget Thy Word— My chief and precious joy.
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748‡