The Prosperity of Sinners Cursed

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Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 124 hymnals

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Piano/Organ
	Beneath the Cross

Representative Text

1 Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I,
To mourn, and murmur, and repine
To see the wicked placed on high,
In pride and robes of honor shine!

2 But, oh, their end, their dreadful end!
Thy sanctuary taught me so;
On slipp'ry rocks I see them stand,
And fiery billows roll below.

3 Their fancied joys, how fast they flee!
Like dreams, as fleeting and as vain,
Their songs of softest harmony
Are but a prelude to their pain.

4 Now I esteem their mirth and wine
Too dear to purchase with my blood;
Lord, ’tis enough that Thou art mine,
My life, my portion and my God.

Source: Book of Worship (Rev. ed.) #92

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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 >

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First Line:	Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I
Title:	The Prosperity of Sinners Cursed
Author:	Isaac Watts
Meter:	8.8.8.8
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain