Why should I say, “‘Tis yet too soon
“To seek for heaven or think of death?”
A flower may fade before ‘tis noon,
And I this day may lose my breath.
If this rebellious heart of mine
Despise the gracious calls of Heaven,
I may be harden’d in my sin,
And never have repentance given.
What if the Lord grow wroth, and swear,
While I refuse to read and pray,
That he’ll refuse to lend an ear
To all my groans another day!
52
What if his dreadful anger burn,
While I refuse his offer’d grace,
And all his love to anger turn,
And strike me dead upon the place!
’Tis dangerous to provoke a God!
His power and vengeance none can tell:
One stroke of his almighty rod
Shall send young sinners quick to hell.
Then ‘twill for ever be in vain
To cry for pardon or for grace;
To wish I had my time again,
Or hope to see my Maker’s face.
Source: Divine and Moral Songs: attempted in easy language for the use of children with some additional composures #HXIII
Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >
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