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 12. (L. M.) The Saint's Safety and Hope in Evil Times; or,
Sins of the Tongue complained of; viz. Blasphemy, Falsehood, &c.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
PSALM 12. (L. M.) The Saint's Safety and Hope in Evil Times; or, Sins of the Tongue complained of; viz. Blasphemy, Falsehood, &c.
I
Lord, if thou dost not soon appear,Virtue and truth will fly away;
A faithful man, amongst us here,
Will scarce be found, if thou delay.
II
The whole discourse, when neighbours meet,Is fill'd with trifles loose and vain;
Their lips are flattery and deceit,
And their proud language is profane.
III
But lips, that with deceit abound,Shall not maintain their triumph long;
The God of vengeance will confound
The flattering and blaspheming tongue.
IV
‘Yet shall our words be free,’ they cry;‘Our tongues shall be control'd by none:
‘Where is the Lord will ask us why?
‘Or say, our lips are not our own?’
V
The Lord who sees the poor opprest,And hears the oppressor's haughty strain,
Will rise to give his children rest,
Nor shall they trust his word in vain.
VI
Thy word, O Lord, tho' often try'd,Void of deceit shall still appear;
Not silver, seven times purify'd
From dross and mixture, shines so clear.
VII
Thy grace shall in the darkest hourDefend the holy soul from harm;
Tho' when the vilest men have power
On every side will sinners swarm.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |