Born into a godly family in the year 1712, Joseph Hart had many advantages in his upbringing.  He was very gifted and early in life became a teacher of the classical languages and literature.  He also became deeply concerned about his soul and eternity and after a while the Lord was pleased to grant him the comfort of His salvation. This happy state did not last; he fell deeply into sin and it was not till many years later he was brought into true godly sorrow and repentance, and to a gracious knowledge of the Lord Jesus.  He began to write hymns, which deeply reflect his own experience, both in sorrow and in joy; the first volume was published about two years after his 'reconversion', as he calls it.  These have been made a special blessing to the Church of God and even today, there are few hymn books without any of his hymns.