Joel Barlow was born at Reading, Connecticut, in 1755. He graduated from Yale College in 1778 and became prominent as an author, poet, and political figure during and after the American Revolution. His published literary works include Hasty Pudding and The Columbiad. In 1785, at the request of the General Association of Connecticut, Barlow undertook a revision of Dr. Isaac Watts's Psalms, supplying those omitted by Watts and adapting the phrasing to American circumstances.
Barlow's psalm book, published in 1786 under the title Psalms Carefully Suited to the Christian Worship in the United States of America, passed through numerous editions. Although officially superseded in 1800 by Timothy Dwight's revision, Barlow's version remained in print for decades. Several of his psalm renderings, including "Awake, my soul, to sound His praise" (Psalm 108) and "Lord, Thou hast scourged our guilty land" (Psalm 60), entered common American hymnal usage. Barlow died near Cracow, Poland, in 1812 while serving on a diplomatic mission.
Related Hymns
Hymns in the library connected to this dictionary topic.
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Joy to the World
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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
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We're Marching To Zion
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Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed
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O God, Our Help in Ages Past
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I Sing the Mighty Power of God
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Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun
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My Shepherd Will Supply My Need
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