1 What were we when mercy found us?
Captives unto death and sin;
Clouds and darkness closed around us,
All was hopeless night within.
Refrain:
We were lost, but Jesus found us,
Burst the bonds of death that bound us,
Wrapped the robe of grace around us,
And the heirs of glory crowned us.
2 What are we since mercy found us?
Blameless, spotless in His sight;
Sons and saints His Word has crowned us,
Called to walk with Him in light. [Refrain]
3 What we shall be? That’s a story
Never uttered, or expressed;
We shall see Him in His glory,
And be folded to His breast. [Refrain]
John H. Sammis was born in Brooklyn. He moved to Logansport, Indiana when ye was 22, where he was converted to Christianity. He was active in the Y.M.C.A., serving as secretary for the Terre Haute Association and later becoming State Secretary. After this, he studied at Lane and McCormack seminaries and was ordained in the Presbyterian church at Glidden, Iowa. He also pastored churches in Indianapolis, Grand Haven, MI, Red Wing and St. Paul, Minn. In 1909 he became associated with the Los Angeles Bible Institute. He wrote more that 100 hymns.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1916) Go to person page >
Display Title: Lost and FoundFirst Line: What were we when mercy found us?Tune Title: [What were we when mercy found us?]Author: J. H. SammisDate: 1909
Display Title: Lost and FoundFirst Line: What were we when mercy found us?Tune Title: [What were we when mercy found us?]Author: J. H. SammisDate: 1937Subject: Special Solos |
Display Title: Lost And FoundFirst Line: What were we when mercy found us?Tune Title: [What were we when mercy found us]Author: John Henry SammisSource: Epworth Praises by Charles H. Gabriel (Chicago: Epworth League of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1909)