THE BENSON LIBRARY OP HYMNOLOGY Endowed by the Reverend Louis Fitzgerald Benson, d.d. 1 t LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY Digitized by the Internet Arciiive in 2012 witii funding from Princeton Tlieological Seminary Library littp://archive.org/details/divisongsOOwatt 'Jti ^ "l/Oinc, yc cluli^rcu, hcarl;cii unto ino ; I ixnll fcadi yon tlic fear of tlic Lori^. I'SAI.M XX XIV, 11 X , VvJcc'CtS ^ W: ,#i t> I ^ •J:"J'JE3M:^ yTET-O .^. ^^r Y -X, YY /'^ YY .''. /I >7« Y XY Y?1 -X- O ^r Y x, YY ^^ YY x, ^ -< X A 1 XU . for tl ■ tnc USE OF CHILDREN \v\\\\ some ABBmONAL C§MP§S©MS. Out of the moutK o{ babes ancl SKcldings, flioK bast perfectei praise. Matt. xxi. 16. PHILADELPHIA: NO. 316 CHESTNUT STREET. NEW YORK: No. 59 CHAMBERS STREET. . . BOSTON: No. 9 CORNHILL. CINCINNATI: 41 WEST FOURTH STREET. LOUISVILLE: 103 FOURTH STREET. IMMXTKl) nv IIHNUY 15 ASllMEAD. (iuuige Siri'i-t iilio\f Klo\i;iilli. all tliat aic coiucvnoi ui the ci)ucatiou of Oultiicu. My Friends : — It is an awful and important charge that is committed to you. The wisdom and welfare of the succeeding generation are entrusted with you beforehand, and depend much on your conduct. The seeds of misery or happiness, in this world, and that to come, are oftentimes sown very early ; and therefore whatever may conduce to give the minds of children a rehsh of virtue and religion ought, in the first place, to be proposed to you. Verse was at first designed for the service of God, though it hath been wretchedly abused since. The ancients among the Jews and the heathens taught their children and disciples the precepts of morality and worship in verse. The children of Israel were commanded to learn the words of the Song of Moses, Dent. xxxi. 19, 30. and we are directed in the New^ Testament, not only to sing tvith grace in the heart, but to teach and admonish IV PRE FATE. one another hj Jijiun^i and sonf/s, Epli. \. I'J. And there are these four advantages in it : — I. There is a great delight in the very learning of truths and duties this way. There is something so amusing and entertaining in rhymes and metre, that will incline children to make this part of their business a diversion. And you may turn their very duty into a reward, by giving them the privi- lege of learning one of these son(/s every week, if they fulfill the business of the week well, and promising them the book itself, when they have learnt ten or twenty songs out of it. II. What is learnt in verse is longer retained in memory and sooner recollected. The like sounds, and the like number of syllables exceedingly assist the remembrance. And it may often happen, that the end of a song running in the mind, may 1)0 an eil'ectual means to keep olf some temptations, or to incline to some duty, Avhen a word of scripture is not \\\)on their thoughts. III. This will be a constant furniture for the minds of chil- dren, that they may have something to think upon when alone, and sing o\ er to themselves. This may sometimes give their thoughts a divine turn, and raise a young meditation. Thus they will not be forced to seek relief for an emptiness of mind out of the loose and dangerous sonnets of the age. IV. Those Divine ^Songn may be a i)leasant and ]»roper matter Coi- their daily or weekly worship, to sing one in the PREFACE. V family, at such time as the parents or governors shall ai)point ; and therefore I have confined the verse to the most usual psalm tunes. The greatest part of this little book was composed several years ago, at the request of a friend, who has been long engaged in the work of catechising a very great number of children of all kinds, and with abundant skill and success, so that you will find here nothing that savours of a party : The children of high and low degree, of the church of England or dissenters, baptized in infancy or not, may all join together in these songs. And, as I have endeavoured to sink the language to the level of a child's understanding, and yet to keep it, if possible, above contempt, so I have designed to profit all, if possible, and ofiend none. I hope, the more general the sense is, these com- posures may be of the more universal use and service. I have added, at the end, some attempts of Sonnets on Moral Subjects, for children, with an air of pleasantry, to provoke some fitter pen to write a little book of them. May the Almighty God make you faithful in this important work of education ; may he succeed your cares with his abun- dant grace, that the rising generation of Great Britain may be a glory among the nations, a pattern to the christian world, and a blessing to earth ! 0'HTEHT»S. DIVIITS SOIIGS. L— A GENERAL SONG OF PRAISE TO GOD, . - . j, II.— PRAISE FOR CREATION AND PROVIDENCE, - - - 11 III.— PRAISE TO GOD FOR OUR REDEMPTION. - - - 13 IV.— PRAISE FOR MERCIES SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL. - - l.". v.— PRAISE FOR BIRTH AND EDUCATION IN A CHRISTIAN LAND. 17 VL- PRAISE FOR THE GOSPEL, - - - - - li» VII.— THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE, - - - - - 21 YIIL_PRAISE TO GOD FOR LEARNING TO READ. - - - i.S IX.— THE ALL-SEEING GOD, - - - - - - 2r, X.— SOLEMN THOUGHTS OF GOD AND DEATH. - - - 27 XL— HEAVEN AND HELL, . _ . . 29 XII.— THE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY RELIGION, - - - 31 XIIL— THE DANGER OF DELAY, - - - - - - 33 XIV.— EXAMPLES OF EARLY PIETY, - - - - - 35 XV.— AGAINST LYING, - - - - - - - 37 XVI.— AGAINST QUARRELLING AND FIGHTING, - - - 30 XVII.— LOVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS, - - - 41 XVITL— AGAINST SCOFFING AND CALLING NAMES, - - - -J 3 Mil CONTENTS. PAtiK. xix.-a(;a]nst swearing and crRSiNG and taking gods NAMK IN VAIN. ---... 4:. XX— AGAINST IDLENESS AND MISCIIIEK. - - - - 47 XXI.— AGAINST EVIL COMPANY. . . . . . 4;, XXII. —AGAINST PRIDE IN CLOTHES. - - - - - r.l XXIII.— OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS, - - - - - :.;; XXIV.— THE CHILD'S COMPLAINT. ---... :,:> XXV.-A MORNING SONG, ...... :r, XXVL— AN EVENING SONG, -.---.. -.n XXVII.— FOR THE LORDS DAY MORNING. . . . . (;:i XXVIIL— FOR THE LORD'S DAY EVENING. i;.-, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, ----- OT OUR SAVIOURS GOLDEN RULE, - - - - - gs DUTY TO GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOUR. - - - Cs DOXOLOGIES, --.-... ,;;, I._THE SLUGGARD. ------- 77 II. —INNOCENT PLAY. - - - - - - - - 70 III.— THE ROSE, - - - - - - - - 81 IV.— THE THIEF, - - - - - - - - SA v.— THE ANT Oil EMMET. - - - - . - H5 VI._(;(M)1) IJESOLI TIONS. - - - - - - - H7 V11.__A SUMMER EVENING, ...... U\ VIII.— A ("IIADLK IIYM.N. - 'Xi SONG L HOW glorious is our heav'nly King, Who reigns above the sky ! How shall a child presume to sing His dreadful majesty ? 2 How great his pow'r is none can tell, Nor think how large his grace ; Not men below, nor saints that dwell On high before his face. 10 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 Xot anp:els that stand round the Lord, Can search his secret ^vill : IJut tliey perfoiin his lieav'nly word. And sinjr his ])raise8 still. I Then let me join this holy train. And my tlrst off 'rings bring : Til' eternal God Avill not disdain To hear an infant sing. T) My heart I'esolves, my tongne obeys. And angels shall rejoice. To hear their mighty Maker's praise Sound from a feeble voice. ^<;^ -' DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS SOITG Y Y praise for €xn\m u^ f robtbcnce. s' I SIXG th' almighty power of God. ,W That made the momitains rise : That spread the flowing seas abroad. And built the loftv skies. m^ 2 I sing the wisdom that ordain' d The sun to rule the day ; The moon shines full at his command. And all the stars obey. 3 I sing the goodness of the Lord. That fiird the earth with food ; He form'd the creatures with his word. And then pronounc'd them good. lli DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 Lord, how tliy wonders are display'd AMiere'er 1 turn my eye ! If I survey tlie ground I tread. Or iiaze u])on the sky ! T) Tliere's not a plant or Howcr beh)w, liut makes thy glories known ; And clouds arise, and temi)ests bloAv, By order from thy throne. 6 Creatm'GS (as num'rous as they l)e) Are subject to thy care ; There's not a place where we can tlee, But God is present there. 7 In heaven he shines with beams of love AVith wrath in hell beneath ! 'Tis on his earth I stand or move, And 'tis his air I breathe. 8 His hand is luy per])etual guard ; He keei)s lue with his eye : AVIiy should 1 tlu^n foi'get the Lord, Who is for ever niiih ? DIVINE AND NIGRAL SONGS. 13 SONG IIL fraisc t0 60b for ©ur gcbcmgtian. .^ LEST be the wisdom and the pow'r, The justice and the grace, That join'd in counsel to restore. And save our ruin'd race ! 2 Our father ate forbidden fruit, And from his glory fell ; And we, his children, thus were brought To death and near to hell. 3 Blest be the Lord, that sent his Son To take our flesh and blood ; He for our lives gave up his own. To make our peace with God. 14 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 He honor (1 all his Father's hiws, AVhieh we have disobey'd : He bore our sins upon the cross, And our lull ransom paid. T) Behold liini risinjx from the uTave : Behohl him rais'd on hiirh ; He pleads his merit there, to save Transgressors doom'd to die. 6 There on a glorious throne he reigns. And by his power divine, Eedeems us from the slavish chains Of Satan and of sin. 7 Thence shall the Loi*d to judgment come And Avitli a sovereign voice Shall call and break uj) every tomb, Wliile waking saints rejoice. 6 O may 1 then with joy appear liefore the Judge's face ; And with the bless'd assend)ly there Sing his ledeeuiing grace ! DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS soiTG :v. |raisc for glerdts Spiritual aui f cmpflral. HEXE'ER I take my walks abroad, How many poor I see ! What shall I render to my God For all his gifts to me ? Not more than others I deserve. Yet God hath given me more ; For I have food while others starve, Or beg from door to door. 3 How many children in the street Half naked I behold ! While I am cloth' d from head to feet. And cover'd from the cold. 10 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 AMiile some poor wretches scarce can tell Where they may lay their head : 1 have a home wherein to dwell, And rest upon my bed. 5 While others early learn to swear, And curse, and lie, and steal ; Lord, I am taught thy name to fear, And do thy holy will. 6 Are these thy favors, day by day. To me above the rest ? Then let me love thee more than they. And try to serve thee best. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 17 SONG Y. |rais£ for §irt| m\)i OEktatioit in a Cl]nstiiin f ani. REAT GOD, to thee my voice I raise, To thee my youngest hours belong ; {j. I would begin my life with praise, Till growing years improve the song. 2 'Tis to thy sovereign grace I owe That I was born on [Christian] ground Where streams of heav'nly mercy flow. And words of sweet salvation sound. 18 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. H 1 would not cliaim'e inv native land For rich Peru with all her gold : A nobler prize lies in my hand, Than East or Western Indies hold. 4 How do I pity those that dwell Where ignorance and darkness reigns ! They know no heav'n, they fear no hell, Those endless joys, those endless pains. 5 Thy glorious promises, Lord, Kindle my hope and my desire ; While all the preachers of thy word Warn me to 'scape eternal fire. f) Thy praise shall still employ my breath. Since thou hast mark'd my way to heav'n Nor will I run the way to death. And waste the blessings thou hast given. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 19 SONG YI Itiitse for t\t ^flsjtl. L ORD, I ascribe it to thy grace, . And not to chance, as others do. ,p[ That I was born of Christian race. And not a Heathen or a Jew. 2 What would the ancient Jewish kings And Jewish prophets once have giv'n. Could they have heard these glorious things Which Christ reveal' d and brought from heav'n ! 3 How glad the heathens would have been. That worshipp'd idols, wood and stone, If they the book of God had seen, Or Jesus and his Gospel known ! 20 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 4 Then if this Gospel I refuse, How sliall I e'er lift up my eyes ? For all the Gentiles and the Jews Against me will in judgment rise. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 21 SONG YIL Wit fedlence 0f t\t §iblt REAT GOD, with wonder and with ^ praise "r On all thy works I look : ^ But still thy wisdom, pow'r and ft7 grace, Shine brightest in thy book. 2 The stars that in their courses roll Have much instruction giv'n : But thy good word informs my soul How I may climb to heav'n. 3 The fields provide me food, and show The goodness of the Lord ; But fruits of life and glory grow In thy most holy word. 22 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 Here are my clioicest treasures liid, Here my best comfort lies : Here my desires are satisfy'd, And hence my liopes arise. 5 Lord, make me understand thy law. Show what my faults have been , And from thy gospel let me (h'aw Pardon for all my sins. 6 Here would I learn how Christ has dy'd, To save my soul from hell : Xot all the books on earth beside, Such heav'nly wonders tell. 7 Then let me love my Bible more, And take a fresh delight By day to read these wonders o'ci*, And meditate by night. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 23 SONG YIIL |rais^ t0 (6fllJ for f taming to |[oi. T HE praises of my tongue I offer to the Lord, l; <#^o^g/r That I was taught, and learn'd 1/^ - ' so young, To read his holy word : 2 That I am brought to know The danger I was in ; By nature and by practice too A wretched slave to sin : 3 That I am led to see I can do nothing well ; And whither shall a sinner flee. To save himself from hell ? 24 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 Dear Jjord, tliis book of thine Informs nie wlicre to go. For grace to i)ar(loii all my sins. And make me holy too. 5 Here I can read and learn How Christ, the Son of God, Did undertake our great concern : Our ransom cost his blood. 6 And now he reigns above. He sends his Spirit down. To shoAv the wonders of his love. And make his gospel known. 7 may that Spirit teach^ And make my heart receive. Those truths which all thy servants preacii, And all thy saints believe. 8 Then shall 1 praise the Jjord. In a more cheei'ful sti'ain, That I was taught to read his won!, And have not learn'd in vain. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 25 SONG i:l f l]e ail-string (Bffii, ALMIGHTY GOD, thy piercing eye Strikes tliro' the shades of night : And our most secret actions lie All open to thy sight. 2 There's not a sin that we commit, Nor wicked word we say, But in thy dreadful book 'tis writ. Against the judgment day. 3 And must the crimes that I have done Be read and publish' d there ? Be all expos'd before the sun, While men and angels hear ? DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. -i Lord, iit tliy foot asliam'd I lie : Ui)war(ls I dare not look : Pardon my sins before I die, And blot tlieni from thy book. T) Remember all tlie dying pains Tliat my Redeemer felt. And let his blood wash out my stains. And answer for my auilt. G may I now for ever fear T' indulge a sinful thought. Since the great God can see and hear, And Avrites down ev'ry fault. DIVINE AND MOKAL SONGS. 27 SONG :: §0knni ®l]i)ugMs 0f 60^ aui ^twWi S'^rm -"i:^-'--' HERE is a God that reigns above. Lord of the heav'ns, and earth, and seas : U I fear his wrath, I ask his love, And with my lips I sing his praise 2 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. 3 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. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 There is an hour Avlien I must die. Nor (h) 1 know how soon 'twill come : A tliousand children, vouno; as T. Are caird by death to hear their doom. o I,et me improve the hours I have. Before the day of grace is fled : There's no repentance in the grave. Nor pardons oft'er'd to the dead. () Just as the tree, cnt down, that fell To north or southward, there it lies : So man departs to heav'n or hell, Fix'd in the state wherein he dies. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 20 fabni auAi f]tll HERE is beyond the sky. A heay'n of joy and love : And holy children, when they die. Go to that world above. 2 There is a dreadful hell. And everlasting pains : There sinners must with devils dwell In darkness, fire, and chains. 3 Can such a wretch as I Escape this cursed end ? And may I hope whene'er I die. I shall to heav'n ascend ? 30 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 Tlicii Avill I read and i)ray, Wliilo I have life and hi'eath Lest I should be cut oft" to-day, And sent t' eternal death. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 31 SONG XIL ik Sli)l);mt;i(ic.5 of €;irlii Mimi '^^^%' # HAPPY the child whose tender years Receive instructions well : r^. Who hates the sinner's path, and fears The road that leads to hell. 2 When we devote our youth to God. 'Tis pleasing in his eyes ; A flow'r, when offered in the bud, Is no vain sacrifice. 32 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 Tis easier work, if we beoin To fear the Lord betimes : AMiile sinners that grow old in sin. Are harden'd in their erinies. i TAvill save us from a tliousand snares, To mind religion young ; • Grace will pi'eserve our following years. And make our virtue strong. T) To thee, Almighty God, to thee. Our childhood we resio-n ; Twill please us to look back and see That our whole lives were thine. Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise Employ my youngest breath : Thus I'm prei)ar'd for longer days. Or lit for early death. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 33 n r\ yyp xr y y r O U XI IJC jLi< XXX* f be ^iwm 0f gtlag. WHr should I say, " 'Tis yet too soon ^,r ' To seek for heav'n or think of * r%^ death ?" ^' A flow'r may fade before 'tis noon. And I this day may lose my breath. 2 If this rebellious heart of mine Despise the gracious calls of heav'n : I may be harden' d in my sin, And never have repentance giv'n. 3 What if the Lord grow wroth and swear While I refuse to read and pray, That he'll refuse to lend an ear To all my groans another day ! £ 34 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 What if his dreadful anger burn, Wliile I refuse his offer'd grace, And all his love to fury turn, And strike me dead upon the place ! T) *Tis dang'rous to provoke a God ! His pow'r and vengeance none can tell ; One stroke of his almighty rod Shall send young sinners quick to hell I 6 Then 'twill for ever be in vain To cry for pardon and for grace. To wish I had my time again, Or hope to see my Maker's face. DIVINE AND MOllAL SONGS J SOITG XIY (g^'ampUs 0f (lEarlji fietg. HAT bless'd examples do I And, Writ in the word of truth, Of children that began to mind Religion in their youth ! 2 Jesus, who reigns above the sky, And keeps the world in awe. Was once a child as young as I, And kept his Father's law. 3 At twelve years old he talk'd with men. (The Jews all wond'ring stand,) Yet he obey'd his mother then. And came at her command. oO DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 Children a sweet liosanna sung. And blest their Saviour's name ; They gave him honor with their tongue, AVhile scribes and priests blaspheme. 5 Sanuiel the child was wean'd and brought To wait upon the Lord ; Young Timothy betimes was taught To know his holy word. 6 Then why should I so long delay AMiat others learn'd so soon? I would not pass another day Without this work beirun. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 37 r U A>( ij: XX X ^gainst l^mng. 'TIS a lovely thing for youth To walk betimes in wisdom's way To fear a lie, to speak the truth, That we may trust to all they say. But liars we can never trust, Tho' they should speak the thing that's true ; And he that does one fault at first, And lies to hide it, makes it two. 3 Have we not known, nor heard, nor read. How God abhors deceit and wrono; ? How Ananias was struck dead, Caught with a lie upon his tongue ? 38 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 1 So did liis wife Sapphira die, Wlien she came in and grew so bold As to confirm that wicked lie, That, just before, her husband told. o The Lord delights in them that speak The words of truth ; but ev'ry liai* Must have his portion in the lake That burns with brimstone and with fire. 6 Then let me always watch my lips. Lest I be struck to death and hell : Since God a book of reck'ning keeps For ev'ry lie that children tell. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 39 SONG XYI gl gainst ^uamlling m^ SmWi ^^^ LET dogs delight to bark and bite. For God hath made them so ; Let bears and lions growl and fight^ For 'tis their natm^e to. 2 But, children, you should never let Such angry passions rise ; Your little hands were never made To tear each other's eyes. 3 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. 40 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 His soul was gentle as a lamb ; And, as his stature grew, He grew in favour both with man, And God his Father too. 5 Xow, Lord of all, he reigns above, And from his heav'nly throne He sees what children dwell in love, And marks them for his own. DIVINE AND IIOKAL SONGS. 41 U A1 IJC AX AAA fflbe bcttoctn §rot|trs mt Sisters. ^*** ^%V. WHATEVER brawls distiub the ^. street, p There should be peace at home : .^mij>^:s/J^4^^ (|v Where sisters dwell, and bro- thers meet, Quarrels should never come. 2 Bh'ds in their little nests agree ; And 'tis a shameful sight, When children of one family Fall out, and chide, and fight. 3 Hard names at first, and threat'ning w()r(l> That are but noisy breath. May grow to clubs and naked swords^ To murder and to death. 42 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. J: The devil teiii})ts one inotlier's son To rage against anotluM* : So wicked (^un was hurrv'd on 'Till he had kill'd his brother. 5 The wise will make their anger cool, At least before 'tis night ; ]?ut in the bosom of a fool It burns till morning-light. G Pardon, Lord, our childish rage, Our little brawls remove ; That, as Ave grow to riper age. Our hearts may all be love. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 43 U xN VJC XX X X X X ♦ ^gainst Scoffing aiti (tailing |Ictnus. UUR tongues were made to f bless the Lord, And not speak ill of men ; Wlien others give a railing word, We must not rail as-ain. 2 Cross words and angry names require To be chastis'd at school : And he's in danger of hell-fire That calls his brother fool. 8 But lips that dare be so profane, To mock and jeer and scoft*, At holy things or holy men, The Lord shall cut them oft". 44 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. ] AVhen children in their ^vanton phiy Serv'd old Elisha so ; And bid the prophet go his way, *^ Go np, thou l)ald-head, go ;" T) (xod quickly stoi)p'd their wicked breath, And sent two raging bears, That tore them limb from limb to death, AAltli blood, and groans, and tears. G Great God, how terrible art thou To sinners e'er so young ; Grant me thy grace, and teach me how To tame and rule mv tonirue. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 45 O Vj X^ IJC AK A AX ^gainst SlDcadng nni Cursing aub tnlung (gob's name in bain, GELS that high in glory dwell, Adore thy name Almighty God! And devils tremble down in hell, Beneath the terrors of thv rod. 2 And yet, how Avicked children dare. Abuse thy dreadful glorious name ; And when they're angry, how they swear. And curse their fellows, and blaspheme. 4G DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 How will they stand before thy face AVho ti'eated thee Avith siieh disdain. AVhile thou shalt doom them to the place Of everlasting fire and pain ? 4 Then never shall one cooling droj) To quench their burning tongues be giv'n But I will ]^raise thee here, and hoj^e Thus to em])loy my tongue in heav'n. f) My heart shall be in })ain to hear Wretches affront the Lord above : Tis that great (lod whose i)Ow'r I fear : That heavenly Father whom 1 love. () If my companions grow profane, ril leave their friendshij) when 1 hear Young sinners take thy name in \aiii. And learn to curse and learn to swear. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. D U A^ IJC xxxx* ^m\$i IMcntss ;ini) ^^listhirf. HO^^ cloth the little busy bee ^.^ Improve each shining hour. And a'ather honev all the clav From every op'ning flow'r ! 2 How skillfully she builds her cell ! HoAv neat she spreads the wax ! And labours hard to store it well "With the sweet food she makes. 3 In works of labour, or of skill. I would be busy too : For Satan finds some mischief still For idle hands to do. 48 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS i 111 books, or work, or liealtlifiil play Let my first years be past ; That I iiiav give for ev'ry day Some good accomit at last. w ^«^..^i DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 49 ^ O ^^ r^ ^^ ^^ ^ OV./XIVJC XX XX A* Against (I'Uil Company ^HY should I join with those in pla>' In whom I've no delight ; Who curse and SAvear^ but never pray Who call ill names and tiditV 2 I hate to hear a wanton song, Their words oftend my ears : I should not dare delile mv tonaue With language such as theirs. 3 Away from fools Til turn mine eyes Xor with the scoffers go : I would be walkins: with the wise. Tluit wiser T may grow. •30 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 From one rude boy that's us'd to iiKX'k. They learn the wicked jest : One sickly sheep infects the Hock. And ])oison8 all the rest. T) My (xod, I hate to walk or dwell With sinful children here : Then let nie not be sent to hell. Where none but sinners are. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. -")] SOITG ^gainst frfte iit €lfltks. ,|2^HY should our garments made to hide Our parents' shame, provoke our pride *: The art of dress, did ne'er begin, Till Eve our mother learnt to sin. 2 When first she put the cov'ring on. Her robe of innocence was gone ; And yet her children vainly boast In the sad marks of glory lost. 3 How proud we are ! how fond to shcm Our clothes, and call them rich and new 1 When the poor sheep and silk-worm wore That very clothing long before. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4: The tulij) and the butterHy Appear in gayer coats tlian I : Let me be drest line as I Avill, Flies, worms and flowers, exceed me still f) Then will I set my heart to find Inward adornings of the mind : Knowledge and virtue, truth and gi-ace : These are the robes of richest dress. 6 No more shall worms with me compare : This is the raiment an2:els wear : The Son of God, when here below. Put on this blest apparel too. 7 It never fades, it ne'er grows old. Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould It takes no s})ot, but still refines. The more 'tis worn, the more it shines. 8 In this on eai'th would 1 appc^ar. Then go to lieaAcn, and wcnv it there : (iod will api)ro\(' it in liis sight, 'Tis his own work, and liis delijxht. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 53 ©beliiente to |;u'cuts. LET children that would fear the Lord Hear what their teachers say; ;^ With rev'rence meet their parents' word, And with delight obey. 2 Have you not heard what dreadful plagues Are threaten' d by the Lord To him that breaks his father's law. Or mocks his mother's word ? 54 L> 1 V 1 X K A N D M O K A L S N CJ S . '^ AVliat lieavy gnjit upon liim lies ! How cursed is his name ! Tlie i-avens sliall pick out liis eyes. And eagles eat the same. tt But tliose wlio worship God, and uivo Tlieir parents honor due : Here on this earth tliey h)no- sliall live, And live hereafter too. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 00 SOITG X XX X X < ^t Cjiili's Cwmplaint, WHY should I love my sport so well, So constant at my play, And lose the thoughts of heaven and hell. And then forget to pray. 2 What do 1 read my Bible for. But, Lord, to learn thy will ? And shall I daily know thee more. And less obey thee still ? 56 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 How senseless is my heart, and wild ! How vain are all my thoughts ! Pity the weakness of a child, And pardon all my faults. i Make me thy heav'nly voice to heai*. And let me love to pray ; Since God will lend a gracious ear To what a child can say. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. -) t gl Horning §0ng MY God who makes the sun to know His proper hour to rise ; And to give light to all below. Doth send him round the skies ! 2 When from the chambers of the East His morning race begins, He never tires, nor stops to rest, But round the world he shines ; 3 So, like the sun would I fulfill The business of the day : Begin my work betimes, and still March on my heav'nly way. H 58 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. -i Give inc, Lord, thy early grace, Xor let my soul complain That the young morning of my days Has all been spent in vain ! DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. ^){) oUa^iIJC XXX kY Jill (Kljeniug f oug. XD now another day is gone, , I'll sing my Maker's praise ; ^^' My comforts ev'ry hour make knoAvii, His providence and grace. 2 But how my childhood runs to waste ! My sins ! how great their sum ! Lord, give me pardon for the past. And strength for days to come. 3 I lay my body down to sleep : Let angels guard my head ; And, through the hours of darkness, keep Their watch around mv bed. 60 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS -± With cheerful heart I ck)se my eyes. Since thou wilt not remove ; And in the morning let me rise Rejoicing in thy love. ^'•^i^.:^r.:. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. G3 SONG XXYIL |0r t\t faxVs gag P0nuug. THIS is the day wlieii Christ arose, ^1\ So early from the "^^ ^; dead ; Why should I keep my eye-lids clos'd, And waste my liom^s in bed ? 2 This is the day when Jesus broke The pow'r of death and hell ; And shall I still wear Satan's yoke, And love mv sins so well ? 64 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 8 To-day with pleasure Christians meet. To pray and liear thy word : And I would go with cheerful feet To learn thy will, Lord. i ni leave my sport to read and })ray. And so prepare for heav'n : may I love this blessed day The best of all the seven ! DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 65 SONG XXYin. |0r t^^ "gaxYs gag €tj^ntng. OED, how delightful 'tis to see A whole assembly worship thee ! V At once they sing, at once they pray ! They hear of heav'n and learn the way. 2 I have been there, and still would go ; 'Tis like a little heaven below : Not all my pleasure and my play Shall tempt me to forget this day. 3 write upon my mem'ry, Lord, The texts and doctrines of thy word That I may break thy laws no more. But love thee better than before. 66 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4 AVith thoughts of Christ, and things divine. Fill II]) this foolish heart of mine : That hoping pardon thro' his blood. 1 inav lie down and wake with God. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. (h THaIi Xj^jA GOMAAAxSx)xuI*iAlISt 'mi of tlxe u(c! icstamenf^ put hilo sKari rlitjme for £llil()rCU,— Exodus XX. THOU shalt have no more Gods but me. 2. Before no idol bow thy knee. 3. Take not the name of God in vain. 4. Nor dare the sabbath day profane. 5. Give both thy parents honour due. 6. Take heed that thou no murder do. 7. Abstain from words and deeds unclean. 8. Nor steal, tho' thou art poor and mean. 9. Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it. 10. WTiat is thy neighbour's dare not covet. 68 DIVIXE AND MORAL SONGS. xhc Sum of the tommancimcuts, out of tlic Nciv ll CsiamCUf.— Matt. XXII. 37. (IQ)^ ITH all thy soul love God above. mMA ^^^? ^^ thyself thy neighbour love. 1 a- 0ur Sauiour 5 Soli^cn RuIc.-matt. vii. 12. E 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. Dutij to Got> anc) our Neighbour. OVE God with all your soul and strength. AVitli all your heart and mind : ^ And love your neighbour as yourself: ct' Be faitliful, just, and kind. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. GO Deal with another as you'd have Another deal witli you : ^liat you're unwilling to receive. Be sure vou never do. I he iiosanna ; or, 5)a(uation ascribed fo Christ LONG METRE. OSAXXA to Kino' David's Son. fjM ^lio reigns on a superior thi^one : ^ We bless the Prince of heav'nlv bin r! TTho brings salvation down to eartli 2 Let ev'ry nation, ev'ry age. In this delio:htful work ena-asce : Old men and babes in Sion sing The growing glories of her King ! COMMON METRE. ^^ OSAXXA to the Prince of Grace. bjM Sion, behold thv Kina' I f^^ Proclaim the Son of David's race. ^' And teach the babes to sino:. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 2 Hosanna to tlv eternal AVord. AVlio from the Father came : Ascribe salvation to the Lord. With blessings on his name. SHORT METRE. ^^^OSANNA to the Son ^^^i Jf Of David and of God, ^y Who brought the news of pardon down, ^ And bought it with his blood. 2 To Christ th' anointed King, Be endless blessings giv'n ; Let the whole earth his glory sing, Who made our peace with heav'n. (ilorij to tKc xatKcr^ ani^ fo i\\Q Son, OCc. LONG METRE. ^£30 God the Father, God the Son, vfe f (Tt^ And (Jod tlie S])irit, Three in One, V^;^ I5e lionoui', ])i'aise, and <>l()i'v uiv'n, Wr. Hv all on earth, and all in heav'n. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS COMMON METRE. ^ OW let the Father, and the Son. And Spirit be ador'd, ^^^ Where there are works to make him known, Or saints to love the Lord. SHORT METRE. ''^lYE to the Father praise, f^^ Give glory to the Son : Be equal honom^ done. %v^|^ And to the Spirit of his grace firiiEit .#i m 9 iXJGH --vs I -wxsi* »xs!: HAPPY AND CONDESCENDING GENIUS n ^o zr.r.xf vrjvjoi'ZJFi :z'.^ .a; ^c F@]a TIE SSI m miimm, IPEiEIPdDmffl m^Sm IgEflPiSIE. w The sense and subject might be borrowed plentifully from tlic Proverbs of Solomon, from all the common appearances of nature, from all the occurrences in civil life, both in cit}^ and country : (which would also afford matter for other Divine Songs.) Here the language and measures should be easy, and flowing with cheerfulness, with or without the solemnities of religion, or the sacred names of God and holy things ; that children might find delight and profit together. This would be one effectual way to deliver them from the temptations of loving or learning those idle, wanton, or profane songs, which give so early an ill taint to the fancy and memory, and become the seeds of future vices. MOEAL gdllJS. SONG I ®|c ^luggsrl) •^^•i^' TIS the voice of the sluggard ; I heard him complain, fc: ^Tou have Avak'd me too soon, I must slumber again :' As the door on its hinges, so he on his bed. Turns his sides and his shoulders, and his heavy head. ^^^^ 78 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 2 'A little more sleep iuid a little more shimber:' Thus he wastes half his days, and his hours without number : And when he gets uj), he sits folding his hands. Or walks about sauntering, or trifling he stands. 8 I ])ass'd by his garden, and saw the wild brier. The thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher : The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags : And his money still wastes, till he starves or he begs. 4 I made him a visit, still hoping to f.nd, He had took better care for improving his mind : He told me his dreams, talk'd of eatinu' and di'inking: But he scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking. f) Said 1 then to my heart, 'Here's a lesson for me:' That maiTs but a ])icture of Avhat 1 might be : liut thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding. Who lauLiiit m(» betimes to love workimx and reading. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 79 SONG 11. Innotntt flng. ABROAD in the meadows to see ^'^^ the young lambs, '< Run sporting about by the side of their dams, With fleeces so clean and so white ; Or a nest of young doves in a large open cage. When they play all in h)ve, without anger or rage, How much we may learn from the sight ! 2 If we had been ducks, we might dabble in nuui Or dogs, we might play till it ended in blood ; « So foul and so fierce are their natures : 80 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. But Thomas and AVilliain, and such pretty names, Sliould be cleanly and harmless as doves or as lambs, Those lovely, sweet, innocent creatures. 3 Not a thing that we do, nor a word that we say. Should hinder another in jesting or play ; For he's still in earnest that's hurt : How rude are the boys that throw pebbles and mire ! There's none but a madman will fling about Are, And tell you, ' Tis all but in sport.' DIVINE Ax\D MORAL SONGS 81 t Ji0SK HOW fair is the rose I l|X ' what a beautiful flower ! The glory of April and May ! But the leaves are beginning to fade in an hour, And they wither and die in a day. 2 Yet the rose has one powerful virtue to boast. Above all the flowers of the field ; When its leaves are all dead, and fine colours are lost, Still how sweet a perfume it will yield! s*> DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. :^ So (rail is the youth and the beauty of men, Tlio' they hlooui and h^ok gay like the rose liut all our fond care to preserve them is vain : Time kills them as fast as he goes. 4 Then I'll not be proud of my youtli or my beauty Since both of them Avither and fade ; lint a:ain a 2:ood name bv well doimr mv dutv This will scent like a rose when Tm dead. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS 83 SOIIG I ®|e fljief WHY should 1 deprive my neighbour Of his goods, against his will? '\ / Hands were made for honest labour, Not to plunder or to steal. Tis a foolish self- deceiving By such tricks to hope for gain : All that's ever got by thieving, Turns to sorrow, shame and pain. ^^_- ^.Y^^^,> 84 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 Have not Eve and Adam taught us Their sad profit to compute? To what dismal state they brouglit us. When they took forbidden fruit? i Oft we see a young beginner Practise little pilf'ring ways, Till grown up a harden' d sinner: Then the gallows ends his days. 5 Theft will not be always hidden. Though we fancy none can spy : When we take a thing forbidden. God beholds it with his eye. 6 Guard my heart, God of heaven. Lest I covet Avhat's not mine : Lest I steal wdiat is not given. Guard my heart and liands from sin DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 85 SOITG Y t Jittt ax dBmrad :& THESE Emmets, how little they are in our eyes ! We tread them to dust, and a troop of them dies. Without our regard or concern : Yet as wise as we are, if we went to their school, There's many a sluggard and many a fool, Some lessons of wisdom might learn. 2 They don't wear their time out in sleeping or play. But gather up corn in a sun-shiny day. And for winter they lay up their stores : They mana2:e their work in such re2:ular forms. 86 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. One Avould think tliey foresaw all the frosts and the stonns, And so brought their food Avithin doors. 3 But 1 have less sense than a poor creeping ant. If I take not due care for tlie things I sliall want. Nor provide against dangers in time : Mlien death or old ao;e shall stare in mv face. What a wretch sliall I be in the end of my days, If I trifle aA\'ay all my prime ! 4 So, now, while mv stremxth and mv vouth arc in bloom. Let me think what will sei've me when sickness shall come. And pray that my sins be forgiv'n : Let 'me read in good books and believe and obc\\ . Tliat. when death turns me out of this cottage of clay, I may dwell in a palace in lieav'n. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 87 SONG YI 6ofli) yicsolutions THOUGH Tm now in younger days, Xor can tell what shall befall me, ril prepare for every place Where my growing age shall call me. y Should I e'er be rich or great. Others shall partake my goodness ; . I'll supply the poor with meat. Never showing scorn or rudeness. TiTiere I see the blind or lame. Deaf or dumb, Til kindly treat them ; I deserve to feel the same If I mock or hurt or cheat them. 88 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 4: If I meet with railing tongues. Why should I return them railing — Since I best revenge my Avrongs By my patience never failing ! 5 Wlien I hear them telling lies, Talking foolish, cursing, swearing ; First I'll try to make them wise, Or ril soon get out of hearing. 6 Wliat though I be low and mean, I'll enQ:aG:e the rich to love me. While I'm modest, neat, and clean, And submit when they reprove me. 7 K I should be poor and sick, I shall meet I hope with pity ; Since I love to help the weak, Though they're neither fair nor \vitt>' 8 I'll not willingly offend, IS'or be easily offended ; What's amiss I'll try to mend. And endure what cairt be mended. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 89 9 May I be so watchful still O'er my humours and my passion. As to speak and do no ill, Though it should be all the fashion. 10 Wicked fashions lead to hell; Ne'er may I be found complying : But in life behave so well, Not to be afraid of dvins:. M DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 91 SONG YII. Jl Summn €ljtnins '•^^t^fe' T i HOW fine has the day ' been, how bright -f^'. ,^ii- is the sun, ;J54'>. How lovely and joyful the course that he run, Though he rose in a mist when his race he begun. And there foUow'd some droppings of rain ! But now the fair traveller's come to the west. His rays are all gold, and his beauties are best, He paints the sky gay as he sinks to his rest, And foretells a bright rising again. 02 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 2 Just such is the Christian : his course he begins. Like the sun in a mist, when he mourns for his sins, And melts into tears : then he breaks out and shines, And travels his heav'nly 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. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. \)?> X'i L' XX X'X 1 ^ iX Ti Xi X AfX XI ♦ HUSH! my dear, lie still and slumber. Holy angels guard thy bed! Heavenly blessings, without number, Gently falling on thy head. 2 Sleep, my babe ; thy food and raiment. House and home thy friends provide : All without thy care or payment. All thy wants are well supply'd. * Sume copies of this Hymn having got abroad already into several hands, the Author lias been persuaded to j)ernnt it to appear in public, at the end of these iSongs for Children. 94 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 3 llow iiiiicli better thou'rt attended Tlian tlic Son of God could be; When from heaven he descended, And became a child like thee ! 4 Soft and easy is thy cradle, Coarse and hard thy Saviour lay ; When his birth-place was a stable, And his softest bed Avas hay. 5 Blessed babe ! what glorious features, Spotless fair, divinely bright ! Must he dwell Avith brutal creatures ! How couki angels bear the siuht ! 6 Was there nothing but a manger Cursed sinners could afford, To receive the heav'nly stranger ! Did they thus aftront their Lord ! 7 Soft, my child ; I did not chide thee, Tho' my song might sound too hard, ,rp. ,, f '•'Motlier ] ., , -1 XI Fis thy \ .. XI . h ^its beside thee, •^ [ .Nurse that ] ' And h(M' nrms shall Ix* lliy guard. *■ Here }«)u iii;iy u>i' words Brother, Sister, Noighbour, Friend, &r. DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. 95 8 Yet to read the sliameful story^ How the Jews abus'd their King ; How they served the Lord of glory, Makes me angry while I sing. 9 See the kinder shepherds round him, Telling wonders from the sky ! Where they sought him, there they found him. With his virgin mother by. 10 See the lovely babe a dressing ; Lovely infant, how he smil'd ! When he wept, the mother's blessing Sooth'd and hush'd the holy child. 11 Lo, he slumbers in his manger. Where the horned oxen fed ; Peace, my darling, here's no danger. Here's no ox a-near thy bed. 12 'Twas to save thee, child, from dying, Save my dear from burning flame, Bitter groans and endless crying, That thy blest Redeemer came. 90 DIVINE AND MORAL SONGS. l:^ May'st thou live to know and fear liim Trust and love him all thy days : Then go dwell for ever near him, See his face and sing his praise ! 14 1 could give thee thousand kisses, Hoping what I most desire : Not a mother's fondest wishes Can to greater joys aspire !