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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Sincere Praise.
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Sincere Praise.
I
Almighty Maker, God!How wondrous is thy name!
Thy glories how diffus'd abroad
Thro' the creation's frame!
II
Nature in every dressHer humble homage pays,
And finds a thousand ways t'express
Thine undissembled praise.
III
In native white and redThe rose and lily stand,
And free from pride, their beauties spread,
To show thy skilful hand.
IV
The lark mounts up the sky,With unambitious song,
And bears her Maker's praise on high
Upon her artless tongue.
V
My soul would rise and singTo her Creator too,
Fain would my tongue adore my King,
And pay the worship due.
VI
But pride, that busy sin,Spoils all that I perform;
Curs'd pride, that creeps securely in,
And swells a haughty worm.
VII
Thy glories I abate,Or praise thee with design;
Some of the favours I forget,
Or think the merit mine.
VIII
The very songs I frame,Are faithless to thy cause,
And steal the honours of thy name
To build their own applause.
IX
Create my soul anew,Else all my worship's vain;
This wretched heart will ne'er be true,
Until 'tis form'd again.
X
Descend, celestial fire,And seize me from above,
Melt me in flames of pure desire,
A sacrifice to love.
XI
Let joy and worship spendThe remnant of my days,
And to my God, my soul ascend,
In sweet perfumes of praise.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |