SONG 12. The Advantages of early Religion.
I
Happy the child whose tender years
Receive instructions well:
Who hates the sinner's path, and fears
The road that leads to hell.
II
When we devote our youth to God,
'Tis pleasing in his eyes;
A flow'r, when offer'd in the bud,
Is no vain sacrifice.
III
'Tis easier work, if we begin
To fear the Lord betimes;
While sinners that grow old in sin,
Are harden'd in their crimes.
IV
'Twill save us from a thousand snares,
To mind religion young;
Grace will preserve our following years,
And make our virtue strong.
V
To Thee, Almighty God to Thee,
Our childhood we resign;
'Twill please us to look back and see
That our whole lives were thine.
VI
Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise
Employ my youngest breath;
Thus I'm prepar'd for longer days,
Or fit for early death.
