1 Sin has undone our wretched race,
But Jesus has restored,
All who believe and trust his grace
And seek and serve the Lord.
2 This we repeat from year to year,
And press upon our youth,
Lord, give them an attentive ear,
And save them by thy truth.
3 Come Lord, and bless the rising race!
Make this an happy hour,
According to thy richest grace,
And thine almighty power.
4 Dear youth, we know your sinful state;
(May God your hearts renew!)
We would a while ourselves forget
To pour out pray'r for you.
5 We see, though you perceive it not,
The approaching awful doom;
O tremble at the solemn thought,
And flee the wrath to come!
6 [Dear Saviour, let this new born year,
Spread an alarm abroad;
And cry, in every careless ear,
"Prepare to meet thy God!"]
The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799
William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >
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