Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#70a

70a. Watchfulness over the Tongue; or Prudence and Zeal

1 Thus I resolv'd before the Lord,
"Now will I watch my tongue,
"Lest I let slip one sinful word,
"Or do my neighbour wrong."

2 Whene'er constrain'd a while to stay
With men of lives profane,
I'll set a double guard that day,
Nor let my talk be vain.

3 I'll scarce allow my lips to speak
The pious thoughts I feel,
Lest scoffers should th' occasion take
To mock my holy zeal.

4 Yet if some proper hour appear,
I'll not be over-aw'd,
But let the scoffing sinners hear
That we can speak for God.

Text Information

• First Line: Thus I resolv'd before the Lord
• Title: Watchfulness over the Tongue; or Prudence and Zeal
• Meter: Com. Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 39:1-3
• Topic: Afflictions: submission to them; Devotion: on a sick bed; Health: prayed for; Man: his vanity as mortal; Mortality: of man; Pleading: without repining; Resignation; Sick bed devotion; Submission: to sickness; Tongues governed; Vanity: of man as mortal; Watchfulness: over the tongue; Zeal and Prudence
• Notes: First part

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