8's.

226

1

MY

Gratitude to Parents.

father, my mother, I know

I cannot your kindness repay;
But I hope, that as older I grow,

I shall learn your commands to obey.

2 You loved me, before I could tell
Who it was that so tenderly_smiled
But now that I know it so well,
I should be a dutiful child.

3 - am sorry that ever I could

Be wicked, and give you such pain; I hope I shall learn to be good,

And so never grieve you again.

4 But, for fear that I ever should dare From all your commands to depart. Whenever I utter a prayer,

I'll ask for a dutiful heart.

227

LE

ET children that would fear the Lord
Hear what their teachers say,

With reverence heed their parents' word,
And with delight obey.

2 Have we not heard what dreadful plagues Are threatened by the Lord,

To him who breaks his father's law,
Or mocks his mother's word?

3 But those that worship God, and give
Their parents honour due,

Shall long on earth in comfort live,
And live hereafter too.

RELIGION.

228

Value of Religion.

IS religion that can give

'TIS

7'8.

Sweetest pleasure while we live;

'Tis religion must supply

Solid comfort when we die.
After death, its joys will be
Lasting as eternity!

Be the living God my friend,
Then my bliss shall never end.

229

The great Concern.

RELIGION is the chief concern

mortals here below;

May I its great importance learn,
Its sovereign virtue know.

C. M.

Religion should our thoughts engage
Amidst our youthful bloom;
'Twill fit us for declining age,
Or for an early tomb.

3 0, may my heart, by grace renewed,
Be my Redeemer's throne;

And be my stubborn will subdued,
His government to own.

4 Let deep repentance, faith, and love,
Be joined with godly fear;

And all my conversation prove
My heart to be sincere."

1

230

1

HOW happy is the child who hears

Instruction's warning voice;

And who celestial wisdom makes
His early, only choice.

2 For she has treasures greater far
Than east or west unfold;
And her rewards more precious are
Than all their stores of gold.

3 She guides the young with innocence
In pleasure's path to tread;
A crown of glory she bestows
Upon the aged head.

4 According as her labours rise,
So her rewards increase;

Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.

231

HA

APPY the child whose early years
Receive instruction well;

Who hates the sinner's path, and fears
The road that leads to hell.

2 'Twill save us from a thousand snares
To mind religion young;

Grace will preserve our following years,
And make our virtues strong.

3 To thee, Almighty God, to thee
Our childhood we resign;

"Twill please us to look back, and see That our whole lives were thine.

136

4 0 let the work of prayer and praise
Employ my youngest breath:
Thus I'm prepared for longer days,
Or fit for early death.

232

Idols.

C. M.

WHAT is an idol?—every heart

Has idols of its own,

Some are of gold and silver bright,
And some of wood and stone.

3 If there be aught the world contains
Which I love more than Thee,
That sinful love within my heart
Idolatry must be.

4 Then take that sinful love away,
And place thy love within;
And break down every image there
That leads me into sin.

5 Deeply inscribed upon my heart
Let thy commandments be;

That there may live within my breast
None other God but thee.

233

1

L

Self-dedication.

ORD! I would come to thee,
A sinner all defiled;

O take the stain of guilt away,
And own me as thy child.

2 I cannot live in sin,

And feel a Saviour's love

S. M.

Thy blood can make my spirit clean;
Ŏ write my name above!

I

2

ING Solomon of old

S. M.

KIN
A happy choice had made;
'Twas not for life, 'twas not for gold,
Nor honours that he prayed.

He chose the better part;

He sought for purer joys;

A wise and understanding heart;

And God approved his choice.

8 Far better than his crown, And all his grand array,

That wisdom was, which God sent down To guide him on his way.

COMFORT IN AFFLICTION.

235

GOD

God cares for me.

the Creator reigns above,

L.M.

And watches all whom he has made:

He rules the world in bounteous love,
Sees the distressed, and sends them aid.

2 Have I no parent? God will be

Far better than a parent could;
A kind, a gracious Friend to me,
For earthly and for heavenly good.
3 The hearts of all are in his power;

He bids the rich his children feed;
And he supports me every hour,
And gives me all I truly need.