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 73. (S. M.) The Mystery of Providence unfolded.
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The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | ||
PSALM 73. (S. M.) The Mystery of Providence unfolded.
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Sure there's a righteous God,Nor is religion vain,
Tho' men of vice may boast aloud,
And men of grace complain.
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I saw the wicked rise,And felt my heart repine,
While haughty fools with scornful eyes
In robes of honour shine.
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Pamper'd with wanton ease,Their flesh looks full and fair,
Their wealth rolls in like flowing seas,
And grows without their care.
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Free from the plagues and painsThat pious souls endure,
Thro' all their life oppression reigns,
And racks the humble poor.
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Their impious tongues blasphemeThe everlasting God;
Their malice blasts the good man's name,
And spreads their lies abroad.
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But I with flowing tearsIndulg'd my doubts to rise;
‘Is there a God that sees or hears
‘The things below the skies?’
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The tumults of my thoughtHeld me in hard suspense,
Till to thy house my feet were brought
To learn thy justice thence.
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Thy word with light and powerDid my mistake amend;
I view'd the sinners life before,
But here I learnt their end.
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On what a slippery steepThe thoughtless wretches go,
And O that dreadful fiery deep
That waits their fall below.
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Lord, at thy feet I bow,My thoughts no more repine;
I call my God my portion now,
And all my powers are thine.
This psalm is a most noble composure; the design and model of it is divinely beautiful, and an admirable pattern for a poet to copy; but it being one single scheme of thought, I was obliged to contract it, that it might be sung at once; though the dignity and beauty of the ode suffers much by this means.
The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | ||