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Alas! And did my Savior bleed and did my Sov’reign die? Would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done that He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in, when Christ, the great Redeemer, died for man, the creature’s sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while Calv’ry’s cross appears, dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief could ne’er repay the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself away – ‘tis  all that I can do.

REFRAIN

At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and mow I am happy all the day!

Sir Isaac Watts was born on July 17, 1674. He learned Latin by the age of 4, and Greek by the age of 9. Many of his neighbors and family members offered to send him to Oxford University to help him further his education. He declined and at the age of 16, he moved to London. He studied at a Nonconformist academy and after graduating, Isaac became a tutor. He was a well-known author, theologian and hymn-song writer. He wrote many books on grammar, history, philosophy and geography. These books were used in school in the 18th century.  Isaac accepted an assistant pastor position and a few years later, in 1702, he became a full-time pastor. In 1712, less than a decade after becoming a full-time pastor, his health began to deteriorate, Isaac stepped down from his pastorship and was planning on spending a week with a friend. He remained staying with the friend until he passed. Watts died on November 25, 1748; he was 74. He also penned some 750 songs. Some of his best, well-known songs are: “Joy to the World”, “I Sing the Mighty Power of God”, “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”, and many, many others.