3 How vain we are, how fond to show Our clothes, and call them rich and new! When the poor sheep and silkworm wore This very clothing long before ! 4 The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer coats than I ; Let me be dressed fine as I will, Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace, 1 ANGRY words are lightly spoken, 3 Love is much too pure and holy, 181 A Plain Rule. 1 To do to others as I would That they should do to me, C.M. Will make me honest, kind, and good, 2 I know I should not steal, or use Which I should never like to lose 3 And this plain rule forbids me quite Because I should not think it right 4 At home, or with my friends at school, Or in my walks abroad, O let me ne'er forget this rule 182. Filial Obedience. 1 CHILDREN, your parents' will obey ; The Lord commands it to be done; L.M. And those who from the precept stray, 2 Your parents honour and revere ; Let filial love wipe every tear, And chase the sorrows from their mind. 1 THE wishes that the sluggard frames, With folded arms he stands and dreams, 2 His field from others may be known,- 3 No hardship he, or toil can bear, He wastes his hours at home for fear 4 What wonder, then, if sloth and sleep Can he in harvest hope to reap 184 Tenderness and Mercy. C. M. 7's. 2 Grieving that the world should be Scene in which the creatures groan 4 Spare them while they yield their breath; Double not the pains of death ; Strike them not at such a time ; God accounts the stroke a crime.' 5 God is love, and never can Smile upon a cruel man ; Mercy reigns in every breast 185 True Beauty (Prov. xxxi. 30). 2 The glowing hue of gladsome health, May well be valued more than wealth, 3 Yet it is but a transient charm- Pale sickness comes, or death's alarm, C.M. 4 But that rich gift, the fear of God, For where true wisdom is bestowed, 186 Earthly Prospects Deceitful. 7's double. 1 OFT in vain the voice of truth Solemnly and loudly warns ; Thoughtless, inexperienced youth, Though it hears, the warning scorns ; Youth in Fancy's glass surveys Life prolonged to distant years, While the vast imagined space Filled with sweets and joys appears. 2 Awful disappointment soon Overclouds the prospect gay; Some their sun goes down at noon, Torn by Death's strong hand away: 3 Others, who are spared awhile, |