Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#85a

85a. The rich sinner's Death, and the Saint's Resurrection

1 Why do the proud insult the poor,
And boast the large estates they have!
How vain are riches to secure
Their haughty owners from the grave!

2 They can’t redeem one hour from death
With all the wealth in which they trust;
Nor give a dying brother breath,
When God commands him down to dust.

3 There the dark earth and dismal shade
Shall clasp their naked bodies round;
That flesh so delicately fed
Lies could, and moulders in the ground.

4 Like thoughtless sheep the sinner dies,
And leaves his glories in the tomb;
The saints shall in the morning rise,
And find the oppressor's awful doom.

5 His honours perish in the dust,
And pomp and beauty, birth and blood;
That glorious day exalts the just
To full dominion o’er the proud.

6 My Saviour shall my life restore,
And raise me from my dark abode;
My flesh and soul shall part no more,
But dwell forever near my God.

Text Information

• First Line: Why do the proud insult the poor
• Title: The rich sinner's Death, and the Saint's Resurrection
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 49
• Topic: Death: of saints and sinners; Death: and pride; Death: and the resurrection; Envy and Unbelief cured; Life and Riches: their Vanity; Mortality: of man; Pride: and death; Prosperous sinners cursed; Resurrection: of the saints; Resurrection: and death; Riches: Their Vanity

Tune Information

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