Why should the children of a King

From ChoralWiki

General information

This is an hymn by Isaac Watts, his Hymn 144 of Book 1, published 1709. Watts titled it The witnessing and sealing Spirit, based on Romans 8:14,16 and Ephesians 1:13,14.

Settings by composers (automated)

Asahel Benham — Brandford English SATB
John Fawcett — Why should the children of a king English SATB
Oliver Holden — Smyrna English STB

Text and translations

English text

Why should the children of a King
Go mourning all their days?
Great Comforter! descend and bring
Some tokens of thy grace.

Dost thou not dwell in all the saints,
And seal the heirs of heaven?
When wilt thou banish my complaints,
And show my sins forgiven?

Assure my conscience of her part
In the Redeemer's blood
And bear thy witness with my heart,
That I am born of God.

Thou art the earnest of his love,
The pledge of joys to come;
And thy soft wings, celestial Dove,
Will safe convey me home.