The Love of God Shed Abroad in the Heart

Author: Isaac Watts

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 >

Come, dearest Lord, descend and dwell. I. Watts. [Whitsuntide.] Given in the enlarged edition of his Hymns and Sacred Songs, 1709, Bk. i., No. 135, in 3 stanzas of 4 lines in 1753 G. Whitefield included it in his Collection. This was followed by R. Conyers in his Collection, 1774, and others, until its use has become extensive both in Great Britain and America. In many cases, especially in America, the term "dearest” so objectionable to many, is changed to, ”Come, gracious Lord," &c.

--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)