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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Remember your Creator, &c.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
Remember your Creator, &c.
Ecclesiastes xii.
I
Children, to your Creator, God,Your early honours pay,
While vanity and youthful blood
Would tempt your thoughts astray.
II
The memory of his mighty name,Demands your first regard.
Nor dare indulge a meaner flame,
'Till you have lov'd the Lord.
III
Be wise, and make his favour sure,Before the mournful days,
When youth and mirth are known no more,
And life and strength decays.
IV
No more the blessings of a feastShall relish on the tongue,
The heavy ear forgets the taste
And pleasure of a song.
V
Old age, with all her dismal train,Invades your golden years
With sighs and groans, and raging pain,
And death, that never spares.
VI
What will you do when light departs,And leaves your withering eyes,
Without one beam to cheer your hearts,
From the superior skies?
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VII
How will you meet God's frowning brow,Or stand before his seat,
While nature's old supporters bow,
Nor bear their tott'ring weight?
VIII
Can you expect your feeble armsShall make a strong defence,
When death, with terrible alarms,
Summons the pris'ner hence?
IX
The silver bands of nature burst,And let the building fall;
The flesh goes down to mix with dust,
Its vile original.
X
Laden with guilt, (a heavy load)Uncleans'd and unforgiv'n,
The soul returns t'an angry God,
To be shut out from heav'n.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |