The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Applied to the Christian State and WorshipWatts, Isaac
Religion
The Psalms of David: Imitated in the Language of the New Testament and Applied to the Christian State and Worship
Watts, Isaac
Bible. Psalms -- Paraphrases, English; Hymns, English
"Our next observation shall be made upon that remarkably kind
providence which brought the doctor into Sir Thomas Abney's family,
and continued him there till his death, a period of no less than
thirty-six years. In the midst of his sacred labours for the glory
of God, and good of his generation he is seized with a most violent
and threatening fever, which leaves him oppressed with great
weakness, and puts a stop at least to his public services for four
years. In this distressing season, doubly so to his active and
pious spirit, he is invited to Sir Thomas Abney's family, nor ever
removes from it till he had finished his days. Here he enjoyed the
uninterrupted demonstrations of the truest friendship. Here, without
any care of his own, he had everything which could contribute to
the enjoyment of life, and favour the unwearied pursuits of his
studies. Here he dwelt in a family, which, for piety, order,
harmony, and every virtue, was an house of God. Here he had the
privilege of a country recess, the fragrant bower, the spreading
lawn, the flowery garden, and other advantages to sooth his mind
and aid his restoration to health; to yield him, whenever he chose
them, most grateful intervals from his laborious studies, and
enable him to return to them with redoubled vigour and delight.
Had it not been for this most happy event, he might as to outward
view, have feebly, it may be painfully, dragged on through many
more years of languor and inability for public service, and even
for profitable study, or perhaps might have sunk into his grave
under the overwhelming load of infirmities, in the midst of his
days; and thus the church and world would have been deprived of
those many excellent sermons and works which he drew up and
published during his long residence in this family. In a few years
after his coming hither, Sir Thomas Abney dies; but his amiable
consort survives, who shows the Doctor the same respect and
friendship as before, and most happily for him and great numbers
besides; for, as her riches were great her generosity and munificence
were in full proportion; her thread of life was drawn out to a
great age, even beyond that of the Doctor's; and thus this excellent
man, through her kindness, and that of her daughter, the present
Mrs. Elizabeth Abney, who in a like degree esteemed and honoured
him, enjoyed all the benefits and felicities he experienced at
his first entrance into this family, till his days were numbered
and finished, and, like a shock of corn in its season, he ascended
into the regions of perfect and immortal life and joy."
If this quotation has appeared long, let it be considered, that
it comprises an account of six-and-thirty years, and those the
years of Dr. Watts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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