The Rich Sinner Dying

In vain the wealthy mortals toil

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 11 hymnals

Representative Text

In vain the wealthy mortals toil,
And heap their shining dust in vain,
Look down and scorn the humble poor,
And boast their lofty hills of gain.

Their golden cordials cannot ease
Their pained hearts or aching heads,
Nor fright nor bribe approaching death
From glitt'ring roofs and downy beds.

The ling'ring, the unwilling soul
The dismal summons must obey,
And bid a long, a sad farewell
To the pale lump of lifeless clay.

Thence they are huddled to the grave,
Where kings and slaves have equal thrones;
Their bones without distinction lie
Amongst the heap of meaner bones.



Source: The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #667

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: In vain the wealthy mortals toil
Title: The Rich Sinner Dying
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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Instances

Instances (1 - 11 of 11)
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A New Version of the Psalms of David #HXXXVII

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Appendix, Containing a Number of Hymns, Taken Chiefly from Dr. Watts's Scripture Collection #XXXVII

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Appendix, Containing a Number of Hymns Taken Chiefly from Dr. Watts's Scriptural Collection #XXXVII

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The Psalms of David #I.XXIV

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Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books #I.XXIV

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The Columbian Repository #387

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Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts, The #I.24

A Selection of Hymns ... Supplement to the Methodist Pocket Hymn Book. 1st ed #d101

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The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #667

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The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. #A24

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