AboutRev C.Brian Ross Expertise I am happy to offer answers to anyone with a question that refers to the Christian Faith in its widest possible sense. I believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, and seek to base all of my life on its teaching. I also have some knowledge of some of the cults, and of Islam and Judaism. Of course, my answers are just one man's thoughts, and I would always advise a questioner to check with others, and with the Word of God.
Experience Served as a full-time parish minister in Scotland for about six years, and then spent the last thirty as a teacher (now 'retired') of Religious Education in Secondary Comprehensive schools (ages 11-17) while continuing my own preaching and teaching ministry. I also believe that learning is a life-time process, and have recently completed a Master's degree in Divinity.
Organizations Former Presenter on Revival FM - a local Christian, community radio station, broadcasting in west central Scotland, and online at revival.fm Involved with a number of organisations that support Christians who are currently suffering persecution in some 70 countries around the world.
Publications Various articles in Christian magazines. I also have two blogsites - www.crazyrev.blogspot.com and (with audio messages) www.revcbross.blogspot.com
Education/Credentials Diploma of The Bible Training Institute, Glasgow;
Licentiate in Theology of the University of Glasgow;
Associateship of The Philosophical Society of England;
Bachelor of Arts Degree (Hons) in History from The Open University;
Post-grad Certificate of Education - Religious Education and History;
Post-grad Cetificate in Learning and Teaching;
Post-grad Diploma in Management and Learning in Education;
Master of Science Degree from the University of Strathclyde;
Master of Divinity Degree (Hons) from Trinity College and Seminary (accredited by the University of Liverpool)
Question Hello Reverend, I have a question regarding a hymn written by Isaac Watts.
In one verse, it goes,
"Blessings abound wher-e'er He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest."
Who are the "sons of want?"
Thank you!
Answer Hi Tzipporah.
What an interesting, and unusual, question! It's really outside any area of expertise that I might claim (more hymnology than theology!), but I'm happy to share my own thoughts with you.
If we look at the verse as a whole, we discover that it is concerned with the blessing of God throughout every place in which He is acknowledged as Lord. Then there are three groups of people who are specified, and who (certainly within the terms of "poetic licence") cover all of those who might be seeking a particular blessing. There are those who are imprisoned - and I suspect that Isaac Watts was thinking of spiritual, rather than physical, chains; the second group are those who are weary - with the problems of life, and the burden of sin; and then the group that you have questioned. Remembering that these words were written around the end of the 17th, beginning of the 18th century, the phrase "sons of want" may be expected to sound rather quaint. However, I believe that it means nothing other than "those who are in need"; who have little or nothing that they may claim as their own; those who "suffer want". The phrase may be compared to something like "sons of sorrow", or even "children of light", where something abstract is, in the mind of the poet/songwriter, endowed with the ability to bear offspring.
I do hope that I have been of some little assistance to you, and take this opportunity to wish you the blessing of the Lord, Jesus Christ, upon your own life at this Christmas time, and throughout the coming year.
In His service,
C.Brian Ross (Rev)
