Isaac Watts
32 quotes
Biography
"Once a day, especially in the early years of life and study, call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge."
"There's not a place where we can flee, But God is present there."
"Lord, I ascribe it to thy grace, And not to chance as others do, That I was born of Christian race, And not a Heathen, or a Jew."
"Just as a tree cut down, that fell To north, or southward, there it lies: So man departs to heaven or hell, Fix'd in the state wherein he dies."
"A flower may fade before 'tis noon, And I this day may lose my breath."
"One stroke of his almighty rod Shall send young sinners quick to hell."
"...but every lyar Must have his portion in the lake That burns with brimstone and with fire."
"The wise will make their anger cool At least before 'tis night."
"How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day From every opening flower!"
"Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your own profession. Do not indulge yourselves to judge of things by the first glimpse, or a short and superficial view of them; for this will fill the mind with errors and prejudices, and give it a wrong turn and ill habit of thinking, and make much work for retraction."
"Once a day, especially in the early years of life and study, call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge; and let no day, if possible, pass away without some intellectual gain."
"Maintain a constant watch at all times against a dogmatical spirit: fix not your assent to any proposition in a firm and unalterable manner, till you have some firm and unalterable ground for it, and till you have arrived at some clear and sure evidence."
"I write not for your farthing, but to try / How I your farthing writers, may outvie."
"I believe the promises of God enough to venture an eternity on them."
"How divinely full of glory and pleasure shall that hour be when all the millions of mankind that have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God shall meet together and stand around Him, with every tongue and every heart full of joy and praise! How astonishing will be the glory and the joy of that day when all the saints shall join together in one common song of gratitude and love, and of everlasting thankfulness to this Redeemer! With what unknown delight, and inexpressible satisfaction, shall all that are saved from the ruins of sin and hell address the Lamb that was slain, and rejoice in His presence!"
"I would not change my blest estate for all the world calls good or great."
"Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden."
"Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks."
"Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks."
"Learning to trust is one of life's most difficult tasks."
"Let me be dressed fine as I will Flies worms and flowers exceed me still."
"How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour And gather honey all the day From every opening flower."
"How shall polluted mortals dare To sing Thy glory or Thy grace Beneath Thy feet we lie afar And see but shadows of Thy face."
"Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance."
"Once a day....call yourselves to an account what new ideas, what new proposition or truth you have gained, what further confirmation of known truths, and what advances you have made in any part of knowledge."