1 Show pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive,
Prepare me, Lord, to die.
Let a repenting rebel live,
Prepare me, Lord, to die.
Refrain:
Will the waters be chilly?
Will the waters be chilly?
Will the waters be chilly?
When I am called to die.
2 Are not Thy mercies large and free?
Prepare me, Lord, to die.
May not a sinner trust in Thee?
Prepare me, Lord, to die. [Refrain]
3 My sins are great, but don't surpass,
Prepare me, Lord, to die.
The pow'r and glory of Thy grace,
Prepare me, Lord, to die. [Refrain]
4 Great God! thy nature hath no bound,
Prepare me, Lord, to die.
So let Thy pard'ning love be found,
Prepare me, Lord, to die. [Refrain]
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >| First Line: | Show pity, Lord, O Lord, forgive, Let a repenting rebel live |
| Title: | A Penitent Pleading for Pardon |
| Author: | Isaac Watts (1709) |
| Meter: | 8.8.8.8 |
| Language: | English |
| Notes: | Spanish translation: See "Piedad, O Santo Dios, piedad" by Merrill N. Hutchinson |
| Copyright: | Public Domain |
My Starred Hymns