Scripture Verse

Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

Introduction

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Hans G. Nägeli
1773–1836

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spi­ri­tu­al Songs 1707–09, Book 2, num­ber 52.

Music: Na­o­mi Hans G. Nä­ge­li (1773–1836). Ar­ranged by Lo­well Ma­son, 1836 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Lyrics

Death! ’tis a melancholy day,
To those that have no God,
When the poor soul is forced away,
To seek her last abode.

In vain to Heav’n she lifts her eyes,
But guilt, a heavy chain,
Still drags her downward from the skies,
To darkness, fire, and pain.

Awake and mourn, ye heirs of hell,
Let stubborn sinners fear;
You must be driv’n from earth, and dwell
A long forever there.

See how the pit gapes wide for you,
And flashes in your face;
And thou, my soul, look downward too,
And sing recovering grace.

He is a God of sovereign love,
That promised Heav’n to me,
And taught my thoughts to soar above,
Where happy spirits be.

Prepare me, Lord, for Thy right hand,
Then come the joyful day;
Come, death, and some celestial band,
To bear my soul away.