There is a law which he has writ,
To teach us all what we must do:
My soul, to his commands submit,
For they are holy, just, and true.
There is a Gospel of rich grace,
Whence sinners all their comforts draw:
Lord, I repent, and seek thy face,
For I have often broke thy law.
There is an hour when I must die,
Nor do I know how soon 'twill come:
A thousand children, young as I,
Are call'd by death to hear their doom.
Let me improve the hours I have,
Before the day of grace is fled:
There's no repentance in the grave,
No pardon offer'd to the dead.
Just as a tree cut down, that fell
To north or southward, there it lies,
So man departs to heaven or hell,
Fix'd in the state wherein he dies.
SUMMER'S EVENING
How fine has the day been! how bright was the sun!
How lovely and joyful the course that he run;
Though he rose in a mist when his race he begun,
And there follow'd some droppings of rain:
But now the fair traveler's come to the west,
His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best;
He paints the skies gay as he sinks to his rest,
And foretells a bright rising again.
Just such is the Christian. His course he begins
Like the sun in a mist, while he mourns for his sins,
And melts into tears; then he breaks out and shines,
And travels his heavenly way:
But when he comes nearer to finish his race
Like a fine setting sun, he looks richer in grace;
And gives a sure hope, at the end of his days
Of rising in brighter array.
AGAINST QUARRELLING AND FIGHTING
Let dogs delight to bark and bite,
For God hath made them so;
Let bears and lions growl and fight,
For 'tis their nature, too.
But, children, you should never let
Such angry passions rise:
Your little hands were never made
To tear each other's eyes.
Let love through all your actions run
And all your words be mild;
Live like the blessed Virgin's Son,
That sweet and lovely child.
His soul was gentle as a lamb;
And as his stature grew,
He grew in favor both with man,
And God his Father, too.
Now, Lord of all, he reigns above;
And from his heavenly throne
He sees what children dwell in love,
And makes them for his own.
OUR SAVIOUR'S GOLDEN RULE
Be you to others kind and true,
As you'd have others be to you;
And neither do nor say to men
Whate'er you would not take again.
DUTY TO GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOUR
Love God with all your soul and strength
With all your heart and mind;
And love your neighbour as yourself:
Be faithful, just, and kind.
Deal with another as you'd have
Another deal with you:
What you're unwilling to receive
Be sure you never do.