210 DIVINE SONGS 4 'Twill save us from a thousand snares To mind religion young ; Grace will preserve our folllowingyears, And make our virtue strong. 5 To thee, almighty God, to thee, Our Childhood we resign 'Twill please us to look back and see That our whole lives were thine. 6 Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise Employ my youngest breath; Thus I'm prepar'd for longer days, Or fit for early death. SONG XIII. The Danger of Delay. 1 WHY should I say, "'Tis yet too soon To seek for heav'n, or think of death ?" A flow'r may fade before 'tis noon, And I this day may lose my breath. a If this rebellious heart of mine Despise the gracious calls of heav'n, I may be harden'd in my sin, And never have repentance giv'n. 3 What if the Lord grow wroth, & swear, While I refuse to read and pray, That he'll refuse to lend an ear To all my groans another day ? 4 What if his dreadful anger burn, While I refuse his offer'd grace : And all his love to fury turn, And strike me dead upon the place ? 5 'Tis dang'rous to provoke a God ; His pow'r and vengeance none can tell; One stroke of his almighty rod Shall send young sinners quick to hell. 6 Then 'twill for ever be in vain To cry for pardon, and for grace ; To wish I had my time again, Or hope to see my Maker's face. SONG XIV. FOR CHILDREN. Young Timothy betimes was taught To know his holy word. Examples of Early Piety. l WHAT blessed examples do I find Writ in the word of truth, Of children that began to mind Religion in their youth. t Jesus, who reigns above the sky, And keeps the world in awe, Was'once a child as young as I, And kept his Father's law. 3 At twelve years old'he talk'd withmen, (The Jews all wond'ring stand) Yet he obey'd his mother then, And came at her command. 4 Children a sweet Hosanna sung, And blest their Saviour's name: They gave him honour with their tongue, While Scribes and Priests blaspheme. i Samuel the child was wean'd, and brought To wait upon the Lord ; 6 Then why should I so long delay What others learn so soon ? I would not pass another day Without this work begun. SONG XV. Against Lying. 1 O 'Tis a lovely thing for youth To walk betimes in wisdom's way ; To fear a lye, to speak the truth, That we may trust to all they say. 2 But lyars we can never trust, [true; Tho' they shouldspeak thething that's And he that does one fault at first, And lyes to hide it, makes it two. 3 Have we not known, nor heard, nor read, How God abhors deceit and wrong: HowAnanias was struck dead, Caught with a lye upon his tongue ? 4 So did his wife Saphira die, When she came in and grew sobold, As to confirm that wicked lye, That just before her husband told. 5 The Lord delights in them that speak The words of truth ; but ev'ry lyar Must have his portion in the lake, That burns with brimstone, and with fire. 6 Then let me always watch my,lips, Lest I be struck to death and hell, Since God a book of reck'ning keeps For ev'ry lye that children tell. SONG XVI. Against Quarrelling and Fighting, I LET dogs delight to bark and bite, For God bath made them so ; Let bears and lions growl and fight, For, 'tis their nature too. . 2, But, children, you should never let Such angry passions rise ; Your little hands were never made To tear each other's eyes. 3 Let love thro' all your actions run, And all your words be mild Live like the blessed Virgin's Son, That sweet and lovely child. 4 His soul was gentle as a lamb ; And as his stature grew, Ile grew in favour both with man, And God his Father too. 5 Now Lord of all he reigns above, And fròm his heav'nly throne, He sees what children dwell in love, And marks. them for his own.
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