The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. Containing, besides his Sermons, and Essays on miscellaneous subjects, several additional pieces, Selected from his Manuscripts by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, in 1753: to which are prefixed, memoirs of the life of the author, compiled by the Rev. George Burder. In six volumes |
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PSALM 102. v. 1–13, 20, 21. First Part. (C. M.) A Prayer of the Afflicted.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
PSALM 102. v. 1–13, 20, 21. First Part. (C. M.) A Prayer of the Afflicted.
I
Hear me, O God, nor hide thy face,But answer lest I die;
Hast thou not built a throne of grace
To hear when sinners cry?
II
My days are wasted like the smokeDissolving in the air;
My strength is dry'd, my heart is broke,
And sinking in despair.
III
My spirits flag like withering grassBurnt with excessive heat;
In secret groans my minutes pass,
And I forget to eat.
IV
As on some lonely building's topThe sparrow tells her moan,
Far from the tents of joy and hope
I sit and grieve alone.
V
My soul is like a wilderness,Where beasts of midnight howl;
There the sad raven finds her place,
And there the screaming owl.
VI
Dark dismal thoughts and boding fearsDwell in my troubled breast;
While sharp reproaches wound my ears,
Nor give my spirit rest.
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VII
My cup is mingled with my woes,And tears are my repast;
My daily bread like ashes grows
Unpleasant to my taste.
VIII
Sense can afford no real joyTo souls that feel thy frown;
Lord, 'twas thy hand advanc'd me high,
Thy hand hath cast me down.
IX
My looks like wither'd leaves appear,And life's declining light
Grows faint as evening shadows are
That vanish into night.
X
But thou for ever art the same,O my eternal God:
Ages to come shall know thy name,
And spread thy works abroad.
XI
Thou wilt arise and shew thy face,Nor will my Lord delay
Beyond the appointed hour of grace,
That long expected day.
XII
He hears his saints, he knows their cry,And by mysterious ways
Redeems the prisoners doom'd to die,
And fills their tongues with praise.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |