1 How wretched was our former state,
when, slaves to Satan’s sway,
with hearts disorder'd and impure,
o’erwhelmed in sin we lay!
2 But, O my soul! for ever praise,
for ever love his name,
who turn'd thee from the fatal paths
of folly, sin, and shame.
3 Vain and presumptuous is the trust
which in our works we place,
salvation from a higher source
flows to the human race.
4 ’Tis from the mercy of our God
that all our hopes begin;
his mercy sav'd our souls from death,
and wash'd our souls from sin.
5 His Spirit, through the Saviour shed,
its sacred fire imparts,
refines our dross, and love divine
rekindles in our hearts.
6 Thence rais'd from death, we live anew;
and, justify'd by grace,
we hope in glory to appear,
and see our Father’s face.
7 Let all who hold this faith and hope
in holy deeds abound;
thus faith approves itself sincere,
by active virtue crown'd.
Source: The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook #R56a
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 >
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