Behold the Glories of the Lamb

Melody - "Martyrdom", Hugh Wilson, 1800; arr. by Ralph E. Hudson, c. 1885

Isaac Watts, about 1688

Behold the glories of the Lamb
Amidst His Father's throne.
Prepare new honors for His Name,
And songs before unknown.

2. Let elders worship at His feet,
The church adore around,
With vials full of odors sweet,
And harps of sweeter sound.

3. 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.

4. Eternal Father, who shall look
Into Thy secret will?
Who but the Son should take that book
And open every seal?

5. He shall fulfil Thy great decrees,
The Son deserves it well;
Lo! in His hand the sovereign keys
Of heav'n, and death, and hell!

6. Now to the Lamb that once was slain
Be endless blessings paid;
Salvation, glory, joy remain
Forever on Thy head.

7. Thou hast redeemed our souls with blood,
Has set the pris'ners free;
Hast made us kings and priests to God,
And we shall reign with Thee.

8. The worlds of nature and of grace
Are put beneath Thy power;
Then shorten these delaying days,
And bring the promised hour.

This is the first hymn in the English language designed for public worship. Watts was only a teenager at the time he wrote the words.