Joseph Hart

Joseph Hart (1711/12 – 24 May 1768) was a Calvinist minister in London. His works include Hart's Hymns, a much-loved hymn book amongst evangelical Christians throughout its lifetime of over 200 years, which includes the well-known hymn, "Come ye sinners, poor and needy".

One of Hart's early publications was a tract denouncing Christianity (prior to his conversion) called The Unreasonableness of Religion, Being Remarks and Animadversions on the Rev. John Wesley's Sermon on Romans 8:32. His other works include a short autobiography and a few poetical translations of ancient classics.

He preached at Jewin Street chapel in London, a building with multiple galleries, to a congregation of significant size.

Only one of Hart's sermons is known: that of Christmas 1767. Several of his hymns appear in the Sacred Harp.

Read more about this composer on Wikipedia.