Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David, corrected and enlarged, to which is added a collection of hymns; the whole applied to the state of the Christian Church in general (2nd ed.) ‎#72

72. The Cure of Envy, Fretfulness, and Unbelief; or, The Rewards of the Righteous and the Wicked

1 Why should I vex my soul, and fret
To see the wicked rise?
Or envy sinners waxing great,
By violence and lies?

2 As flowery grass cut down at noon,
Before the evening fades,
So shall their glories vanish soon,
In everlasting shades.

3 Then let me make the Lord my trust,
And practise all that’s good;
So shall I dwell among the just,
And He provide me food.

4 I to my God my ways commit,
And cheerful wait his will;
Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet,
Shall my desires fulfil.

5 Mine innocence shalt thou display,
And make thy judgements known,
Fair as the light of dawning day,
And glorious as the noon.

6 The meek at last the earth possess,
And are the heirs of heaven;
True riches, with abundant peace,
To humble souls are given.

Pause.

7 Rest in the Lord, and keep his way,
Nor let your anger rise,
Though providence should long delay,
To punish haughty vice.

8 Let sinners join to break your peace,
And plot, and rage, and foam;
The Lord derides them, for he sees
Their day of vengeance come.

9 They have drawn out the threatening sword,
Have bent the murderous bow,
To slay the men that fear the Lord,
And bring the righteous low.

10 My God shall break their bows, and burn
Their persecuting darts,
Shall their own swords against them turn,
And pierce their stubborn hearts.

Text Information

• First Line: Why should I vex my soul, and fret
• Title: The Cure of Envy, Fretfulness, and Unbelief; or, The Rewards of the Righteous and the Wicked
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1786
• Scripture:
  Psalm 37:1-15
• Topic: Charity: to the poor; Death: of saints and sinners; End of Righteous and Wicked; Envy and Unbelief cured; Fretfulness discouraged; Patience: under Persecution; Poor: charity to them; Portion of saints and sinners; Prosperous sinners cursed; Punishment of Sinners; Religion: in Words and Deed; Reproach: reproved; Saints: patience and world's hatred; Unbelief: and envy cured; World's Hatred and Saints Patience
• Notes: First part

Tune Information

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