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 |
 | IV. |
|
 |
|
|
|
Death and Heaven. In five Lyric Odes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
593
Death and Heaven. In five Lyric Odes.
ODE I. The Spirit's Farewell to the Body after long Sickness.
I
How am I held a prisoner now,Far from my God! This mortal chain
Binds me to sorrow: All below
Is short-liv'd ease or tiresome pain.
II
When shall that wondrous hour appear,Which frees me from this dark abode,
To live at large in regions, where
Nor cloud nor veil shall hide my God?
III
Farewell this flesh, these ears, these eyes,These snares and fetters of the mind;
My God, nor let this frame arise
Till every dust be well refin'd.
IV
Jesus, who mak'st our natures whole,Mould me a body like thy own:
Then shall it better serve my soul
In works of praise and worlds unknown.
ODE II. The Departing Moment; or, Absent from the Body.
I
Absent from flesh! O blissful thought!What unknown joys this moment brings!
Freed from the mischiefs sin hath wrought,
From pains, and tears, and all their springs.
II
Absent from flesh! Illustrious day!Surprising scene! Triumphant stroke,
That rends the prison of my clay,
And I can feel my fetters broke!
III
Absent from flesh! Then rise, my soul,Where feet or wings could never climb,
Beyond the heav'ns where planets roll,
Measuring the cares and joys of time.
IV
I go where God and glory shine:His presence makes eternal day.
My all that's mortal I resign,
For Uriel waits and points my way.
ODE III. Entrance into Paradise; or, Present with the Lord.
I
And is this heav'n? And am I there?How short the road! How swift the flight!
I am all life, all eye, all ear;
Jesus is here,—my soul's delight.
II
Is this the heav'nly Friend who hungIn blood and anguish on the tree,
Whom Paul proclaim'd, whom David sung,
Who dy'd for them, who dy'd for me?
III
How fair thou offspring of my God!Thou first-born image of his face!
Thy death procur'd this blest abode,
Thy vital beams adorn the place.
IV
Lo, he presents me at the throneAll spotless; there the godhead reigns
Sublime and peaceful thro' the Son:
Awake, my voice, in heav'nly strains.
ODE IV. The Sight of God in Heaven.
I
Creator-God, eternal light,Fountain of good, tremendous power,
Ocean of wonders, blissful sight!
Beauty and love unknown before!
II
Thy grace, thy nature, all unknownIn yon dark region whence I came;
Where languid glimpses from thy throne
And feeble whispers teach thy name.
III
I'm in a world where all is new;Myself, my God; O blest amaze!
Not my best hopes or wishes knew
To form a shadow of this grace.
IV
Fix'd on my God, my heart, adore:My restless thoughts, forbear to rove:
Ye meaner passions, stir no more;
But all my powers be joy and love.
594
ODE V. A Funeral Ode at the Interment of the Body, supposed to be sung by the Mourners.
I
Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb;Take this new treasure to thy trust,
And give these sacred relics room.
To seek a slumber in the dust.
II
Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fearInvade thy bounds. No mortal woes
Can reach the lovely sleeper here,
And angels watch her soft repose.
III
So Jesus slept: God's dying SonPast through the grave, and blest the bed.
Rest here, fair saint; till from his throne
The morning break and pierce the shade.
IV
Break from his throne, illustrious morn;Attend, O earth, his sov'reign word;
Restore thy trust, a glorious form;
She must ascend to meet her Lord.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |