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 Welcome Messenger.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
The Welcome Messenger.
I
Lord, when we see a saint of thineLie gasping out his breath,
With longing eyes, and looks divine,
Smiling and pleas'd in death;
II
How we could e'en contend to layOur limbs upon that bed!
We ask thine envoy to convey
Our spirits in his stead.
III
Our souls are rising on the wing,To venture in his place;
For when grim death has lost his sting,
He has an angel's face.
IV
Jesus, then purge my crimes away,'Tis guilt creates my fears,
'Tis guilt gives death its fierce array,
And all the arms it bears.
V
Oh! if my threat'ning sins were gone,And death had lost his sting,
I could invite the angel on,
And chide his lazy wing.
VI
Away these interposing days,And let the lovers meet;
The angel has a cold embrace,
But kind, and soft, and sweet.
VII
I'd leap at once my seventy years,I'd rush into his arms,
And lose my breath, and all my cares,
Amidst those heav'nly charms.
VIII
Joyful I'd lay this body down,And leave the lifeless clay,
Without a sigh, without a groan,
And stretch and soar away.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |