Preparation (Jacob French)
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- Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2018-01-21). Score information: Letter, 1 page, 46 kB Copyright: Public Domain
- Edition notes: Oval note edition, as written in 1789. Words substituted for this edition are by Charles Wesley, 1743, from Collection of Psalms and Hymns, with nine stanzas, two stanzas of which are included.
- Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2018-01-21). Score information: 7 x 10 inches (landscape), 1 page, 44 kB Copyright: Public Domain
- Edition notes: Note shapes added (4-shape). Words substituted for this edition are by Charles Wesley, 1743, from Collection of Psalms and Hymns, with nine stanzas, two stanzas of which are included.
General Information
Title: Preparation
First Line: Be merciful, O God, to me
Composer: Jacob French
Lyricist: Charles Wesley
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Psalm-tune Meter: 88. 88. 88
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1789 in The New American Melody, 1789, pp. 14-16
Description: Words originally published with this tune in 1789 are by an anonymous author, before 1780, that often appeared on tombstones in New England; these words are reproduced below.
External websites:
Original text and translations
Original text and translations may be found at Be merciful, O God, to me.
English text
1. My loving friends, as you pass by,
To my cold grave pray cast your eye;
Your sun, like mine, may set at noon,
Your soul it may be called for soon.
In this dark place you soon must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
2. Behold and read as you pass by,
As you are now, so once was I;
As I am now, so you must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.
In this dark place you soon must be,
Prepare for death and follow me.