Religion

Song 13: The danger of delay

by Isaac Watts 1674–1748

From Divine and Moral Songs for Children (1715)

Religion

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!

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.

MLA

Watts, Isaac. “Song 13: The danger of delay.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/734/.

Chicago

Watts, Isaac. “Song 13: The danger of delay.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/watts/734/.

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