Scripture Verse

Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Job 1:21

Introduction

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Isaac Watts
1674–1748

Words: Is­aac Watts, Hymns and Spi­ri­tu­al Songs, Book 1, 1707, num­ber 4. Sub­mis­sion to af­flict­ive prov­i­denc­es.

Music: Ar­ling­ton Tho­mas A. Arne, 1762. Ar­ranged by Ralph Har­ris­on, 1784 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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Thomas A. Arne
1710–1778

Lyrics

Naked as from the earth we came,
And crept to life at first;
We to the earth return again,
And mingle with our dust.

The dear delights we here enjoy,
And fondly call our own,
Are but short favors borrowed now
To be repaid anon.

’Tis God that lifts our comforts high,
Or sinks them in the grave;
He gives and (blessèd be His name!)
He takes but what He gave.

Peace, all our angry passions then!
Let each rebellious sigh
Be silent at His sovereign will,
And every murmur die.

If smiling mercy crown our lives,
Its praises shall be spread;
And we’ll adore the justice, too,
That strikes our comforts dead.