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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IX.—THE SACRED CONCERT OF PRAISE. |
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
IX.—THE SACRED CONCERT OF PRAISE.
I
Come, pretty birds, fly to this verdant shade,Here let our different notes in praise conspire:
'Twas the same hand your painted pinions spread,
That form'd my nobler pow'rs to raise his honours higher.
II
Fair songsters, come; beneath the sacred groveWe'll sit and teach the woods our Maker's name:
Men have forgot his works, his power, his love,
Forgot the mighty arm that rear'd their wondrous frame.
III
I search the crowded court, the busy street,Run thro' the villages, trace every road:
In vain I search; for every heart I meet
Is laden with the world, and empty of its God.
IV
How shall I bear with men to spend my days?Dear feather'd innocents, you please me best:
My God has fram'd your voices for his praise,
His high designs are answer'd by your tuneful breast.
V
Sweet warblers, come, wake all your cheerful tongues,We join with angels and their heav'nly choirs;
Our humble airs may imitate their songs,
Tho' bolder are their notes, and purer are their fires.
VI
Had I ten thousand hearts, my God, my Love,Had I ten thousand voices all are thine:
Where love inflames the soul, the lips must move,
Nor shall the song be mortal where the theme's divine.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |