William Cowper (1731–1800)

Sin has undone our wretched race,

        But Jesus has restor’d,

And brought the sinner face to face

        With his forgiving Lord.

This we repeat from year to year,

        And press upon our youth;

Lord, give them an attentive ear,

        Lord, save them by thy truth!

Blessings upon the rising race!

        Make this a happy hour,

According to thy richest grace,

        And thine almighty pow’r.

We feel for your unhappy state,

        (May you regard it too)

And would awhile ourselves forget,

        To pour out pray’r for you.

We see, tho’ you perceive it not,

        Th’approaching, awful doom;

O tremble at the solemn thought,

        And flee the wrath to come!

Dear Saviour, let this new-born year

        Spread an alarm abroad;

And cry, in ev’ry careless ear,

        „Prepare to meet thy God!”