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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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
419
ON READING DR. WATTS'S POEMS SACRED TO PIETY AND DEVOTION.
‘Regard the man, who, in seraphic lays,‘And flowing numbers, sings his Maker's praise:
‘He needs invoke no fabled muse's art,
‘The heav'nly song comes genuine from his heart,
‘From that pure heart, which God has deign'd t'inspire
‘With holy raptures, and a sacred fire.
‘Thrice happy man! whose soul, and guiltless breast,
‘Are well prepar'd to lodge th'almighty guest!
‘'Tis he that lends thy tow'ring thoughts their wing,
‘And tunes thy lyre, when thou attempt'st to sing:
‘He to thy soul lets in celestial day,
‘Ev'n whilst imprison'd in this mortal clay.
‘By death's grim aspect thou art not alarm'd,
‘He, for thy sake, has death itself disarm'd;
‘Nor shall the grave o'er thee a vict'ry boast;
‘Her triumph in thy rising shall be lost,
‘When thou shalt join th'angelic choirs above,
‘In never-ending songs of praise and love.’
EUSEBIA.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |