1. I love thy kingdom, Lord,
the house of thine abode,
the church our blest Redeemer saved
with his own precious blood.
2. I love thy church, O God!
Her walls before thee stand
dear as the apple of thine eye,
and graven on thy hand.
3. For her my tears shall fall,
for her my prayers ascend,
to her my cares and toils be given,
till toils and cares shall end.
4. Beyond my highest joy
I prize her heavenly ways,
her sweet communion, solemn vows,
her hymns of love and praise.
5. Sure as thy truth shall last,
to Zion shall be given
the brightest glories earth can yield,
and brighter bliss of heaven.
Timothy Dwight
American theologian and poet
Written By:
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
See Article History
Timothy Dwight, (born May 14, 1752, Northampton, Massachusetts—died January 11, 1817, New Haven, CT, U.S.), American educator, theologian, and poet who had a strong instructive influence during his time.Educated by his mother, a daughter of the preacher Jonathan Edwards, Dwight entered Yale at age 13 and was graduated in 1769. He then pursued a variety of occupations, including those of a tutor at Yale, a school principal, a Massachusetts legislator, and a chaplain with the Continental Army. In 1783 he began a successful school in Greenfield Hill, Connecticut. There he became pastor of the Congregational Church.In Connecticut, Dwight began to write poetry, such as Greenfield Hill (1794)—a popular history of and tribute to the village—and epics, including The Conquest of Canaan (1785)—a Biblical allegory of the taking of Connecticut from the British, which some critics regard as the first American epic poem. The poems are grandiose but morally inspiring. Dwight’s political satire marks him as one of the Hartford wits. Dwight served as president of Yale from 1795 to 1817; his administration had pervasive effects on the school, including the modernization of the curriculum. He fought religious apathy as an eloquent professor of theology; his sermons appear in Theology; Explained and Defended, 5 vol. (1818–19).
A truly American story woven with facts and acknowledgement of our early American citizens’ and Founding Fathers’ belief in and reverence for our one and only God. I’m so thankful to know that our real and true history is still being written and taught. Don’t let your kids miss out!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of Dwight’s life, his love and commitment to the building of our Lord’s Kingdom in the midst of the pressures of his day. We are to go and do likewise. Susan, your prayers for revival will be answered and we will see the Glory of the Lord poured out in this season. The enduring faith seen in Jonathan Edwards, his grandson Timothy, other men and women throughout His-story, is the cornerstone of this next Great Awakening! . Thank you again and many Blessings on WTK!
Great article!
A truly American story woven with facts and acknowledgement of our early American citizens’ and Founding Fathers’ belief in and reverence for our one and only God. I’m so thankful to know that our real and true history is still being written and taught. Don’t let your kids miss out!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of Dwight’s life, his love and commitment to the building of our Lord’s Kingdom in the midst of the pressures of his day. We are to go and do likewise. Susan, your prayers for revival will be answered and we will see the Glory of the Lord poured out in this season. The enduring faith seen in Jonathan Edwards, his grandson Timothy, other men and women throughout His-story, is the cornerstone of this next Great Awakening! . Thank you again and many Blessings on WTK!