The graves of all His saints He blessed,
And softened every bed:
Where should the dying members rest,
But with their dying Head?
But Dr. Watts was not a man whose whole thought was centred on the world to come. After the fashion not only of his own time, but of the religious men of most times, he speaks slightingly of earth and its charms; but when he allows himself to dwell on its beauty and glory he writes, I think, with a clearer and more poetic vision than Wesley, as in his ‘Song to Creating Wisdom’—
Eternal Wisdom, Thee we praise.
The hymns of Dr. Watts are so well known that it is difficult to select any that would worthily represent him without repeating what is already familiar to every reader. ‘The Cradle Song’ is one of the most delightful lullabies ever written, and shows Watts in a charming and unexpected light.
Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber;
Holy angels guard thy bed!
Heavenly blessings without number