1 Come let me love, or is my mind
Harden'd to stone, or froze to ice?
I see the blessed fair one bend,
And stoop t'embrace me from the skies!
2 Oh! 'tis a thought would melt a rock,
And make an heart of iron move,
That those sweet lips, that heav'nly look,
Should seek and wish a mortal love!
3 I was a traitor doom'd to fire,
Bound to sustain eternal pains;
He flew on wings of strong desire,
Assum'd my guilt, and took my chains.
4 Infinite grace! almighty charms!
Stand in amaze, ye rolling skies!
Jesus, the God, extends his arms,
Hangs on a cross of love, and dies.
5 Did pity ever stoop so low
Dress'd in divinity and blood?
Was ever rebel courted so,
In groans of an expiring God?
6 Again he lives, and spreads his hands,
Hands that were nail'd to torturing smart;
"By these dear wounds," says he; and stands,
And prays to clasp me to his heart.
7 Sure I must love; or are my ears
Still deaf, nor will my passions move?
Lord! melt this stubborn heart to tears;
This heart shall yield to death or love.
Source: Hymns, Selected and Original: for public and private worship (1st ed.) #197
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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