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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XLVI.—COWARDICE AND SELF-LOVE. |
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
566
XLVI.—COWARDICE AND SELF-LOVE.
567
Paraphrased thus:
He never was the man that dar'd to swimAgainst the rolling tide, or cross the stream;
He was no patriot, nor indulg'd his breath
Bravely to speak his sense, and venture death.
Thus he spun out his supple soul, and drew
A length of life amidst a vicious crew;
Full fourscore years he saw the sun arise,
Guarded by flattery, and intrench'd in lies;
For 'twas his settled judgment from his youth,
One grain of ease was worth a world of truth.
O cursed idol Self!
The wretch that worships thee would dare to tread
With impious feet on his own father's head,
To 'scape a rising wave when seas the land invade.
To gain the safety of some higher ground,
He'd trample down the dikes that fence his country round
Amidst a general flood, and leave the nation drown'd.
The wretch that worships thee would dare to tread
With impious feet on his own father's head,
To 'scape a rising wave when seas the land invade.
To gain the safety of some higher ground,
He'd trample down the dikes that fence his country round
Amidst a general flood, and leave the nation drown'd.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |