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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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X.—THE WORLD A STRANGER TO GOD.
  
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X.—THE WORLD A STRANGER TO GOD.

I

Infinite beauty, everlasting love,
How are our hearts, our thoughts, estrang'd from thee!
Th'eternal God surrounds us; yet we rove
In chase of airy toys, and follow as they flee.

II

Oh could I cry, and make the nations hear,
From north to south my voice should teach thy name;
I'd tell them, that they buy their joys too dear,
And pay immortal souls for glitt'ring dust or fame.

III

Almighty pow'r, break off these chains of sense,
Melt them away with love's celestial fire,
Create the world anew; let man commence
A seraph here on earth, let man to heav'n aspire.