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Hymns, for the Amusement of Children

Embellished with Cuts [by Christopher Smart]
Smart, Christopher (1722-1771)
  
[dedication]

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APPENDIX TO THE HYMNS for CHILDREN.

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44

HYMN XXII. GRATITUDE.

I

I upon the first creation
Clap'd my wings with loud applause,
Cherub of the highest station,
Praising, blessing, without pause.

II

I in Eden's bloomy bowers
Was the heav'nly gard'ner's pride,
Sweet of sweets, and flow'r of flowers
With the scented tinctures dy'd.
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III

Hear, ye little children, hear me,
I am God's delightful voice;
They who sweetly still revere me,
Still shall make the wisest choice.

IV

Hear me not like Adam trembling,
When I walk'd in Eden's grove;
And the host of heav'n assembling,
From the spot the traitor drove.

V

Hear me rather as the lover
Of mankind, restor'd and free;
By the word ye shall recover
More than that ye lost by Me.

VI

I'm the Phœnix of the singers
That in upper Eden dwell;
Hearing me Euphrates lingers,
As my wond'rous tale I tell.
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VII

'Tis the story of the Graces,
Mercies without end or sum;
And the sketches and the traces
Of ten thousand more to come.

VIII

List, my children, list within you,
Dread not ye the tempter's rod;
Christ our gratitude shall win you,
Wean'd from earth, and led to God.
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