Puritan Poetry

"The Excellencies of Christ"

To Christ, the Lord, let every tongue
Its noblest tribute bring
When He's the subject of our song
Who can refuse to sing

Survey the beauties of His face
And on His glories dwell
Think of the wonders of His grace
And all His triumphs tell

Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
Upon His awful brow
His head with radiant glories crowned
His lips with grace overflow

No mortal can with Him compare
Among the sons of men
Fairer He is than all the fair
That fill the heavenly train

He saw me plunged in deep distress
He flew to my relief
For me He bore the shameful cross
And carried all my grief

His hand a thousand blessings pours
Upon my guilty head
His presence gilds my darkest hours
And guards my sleeping bed

To Him I owe my life and breath
And all the joys I have
He makes me triumph over death
And saves me from the grave

To heaven, the place of His abode
He brings my weary feet
Shows me the glories of my God
And makes my joys complete

Since from His bounty I receive
Such proofs of love divine
Had I a thousand hearts to give
Lord, they would all be thine

Samuel Stennett
1727-1795

Puritan Library

"Worthy is the Lamb" - Puritan Poetry To Honor The Savior

For those who are lovers of poetry, I could not recommend a more treasured collection of poetry than that which is found in "Worthy is the Lamb."  This book is a collection of Christian poems written by Puritans of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.  Such Puritans presented are Benjamin Keach, Philip Dodderidge, Augustus Toplady (author of hymn 'Rock of Ages'), Isaac Watts (author of hymn 'When I Survey The Wondrous Cross'), and John Newton (author of hymn 'Amazing Grace').  The Puritans were Christians greatly devoted to living pure lives in honor of their love for Jesus, and that strong devotion can be seen in their poetry.  For example John Newton wrote,

Author and Guardian of my life,

Sweet Source of light divine,

And all harmonious names in one,

My Savior, Thou art mine.

What thanks I owe Thee, and what love,

A boundless endless store,

Shall echo through the realms above

When time shall be no more.

The poems in "Worthy is the Lamb" will assist in elevating the hearts of Christians today to a level of devotion towards Jesus Christ that is the great tradition given to us by the Puritans.