HYMN XVII. PRAISE.
I
Tho' conscience void of all offence,
Is man's divinest praise,
A godly heart-felt innocence,
Which does at first by grace commence,
By supplication stays:
II
Yet I do love my brother's laud,
In each attempt to please;
O may he frequently applaud,
“Good child, thou soon shalt go abroad,
“Or have such things as these.—
III
“This silver coin'd by sweet queen Anne,
“This nose-gay and these toys,
“Thou this gilt Testament shalt scan,
“This pictur'd Hymn-book on a plan,
“To make good girls and boys.”
IV
O may they give, before I ask,
Suggest before desire,
While in the summer-house I bask,
The little lab'rer at his task,
Is worthy of his hire.
