University of Virginia Library


164

NEVER, MY CHILD, FORGET TO PRAY.

I

Never, my child, forget to pray,
Whate'er the business of the day.
If happy dreams have bless'd thy sleep,
If startling fears have made thee weep,
With holy thoughts begin the day;
And ne'er, my child, forget to pray.

II

Pray Him, by whom the birds are fed,
To give to thee thy daily bread;
If wealth his bounty should bestow,
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.
If He who gave should take away,
Oh! ne'er, my child, forget to pray.

III

A time may come when thou wilt miss
A father's and a mother's kiss,
And then, my child, perchance thou'lt see,
Some who in pray'r ne'er bend their knee;
From such examples turn away,
And ne'er, my child, forget to pray.