F46,>d3 
 
 W343A. 
 
fM 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
 
 Z 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 
 < 
 
 
 (0 
 
 Z 
 
 u. 
 
 z 
 
 2 i 
 
 
 
 lU 
 
 H u 
 
 > 
 
 < 
 
 m 
 
 
 
 ^ •- "! 
 
 I i^ 
 
 a 
 
 J 
 
 >■ ^ ii 
 
 o 
 
 < 
 
 " < s 
 
 J 
 
 oe: 
 
 Q a g 
 
 lU 
 
 u 
 
 "So 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 I J u 
 
 H 
 
 N 
 
 < u E 
 
 2 
 
 h 
 
 U, I H 
 
 
 
 
 5 »■ z 
 
 U. 
 
 tn 
 
 U L. 
 
 
 5 
 
 u 
 
 z 
 
 
 
 
 2^ 
 
 
 J 
 
 0. 
 
 
 > 
 
 scB 
 
 '^ 
 
 
 s/^f 
 
 IHtWc» 
 
t 
 
 DIVINE m^^^w \ 
 
 EASY LANGUA^3«iii-^^ 
 
 FOR THE USE OF 
 
 CHILDREN. 
 
 BYI. WATTS, D.D. 
 
 Out of the Mouth of Babes and Sucklings thou hast pcrfictid 
 Praise Matt! xxi, 16. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE ADDED, 
 
 THE PRINCIPLES 
 
 CHRISTIANRELIGION, 
 
 IN PLAIN AND EASY VERSE. 
 
 BY P. DODDRIDGE, D. D. 
 
 jYEIV^YORK: 
 
 PRINTED FOR JOHN TIEBOUT, 
 jYo. 246 Water-Strcet\ 
 
 By L. NICHOLS. 
 
 1802, 
 
r\^ * 
 
 JOHN TIEBOUT, 
 
 BOOKSELLER & STATIONER, 
 
 NO. 246 WATER-STREET, 
 
 Has for Sale, an excellent assortment of 
 
 SCHOOL-BOOKS, 
 
 ENTERTAINING HISTORIES, 
 NOVELS, ROMANCES, 
 
 £cG. Sec. &C. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 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 so\vn very 
 early ; and, therefore, whatever may con- 
 duce to give the minds of Children a re- 
 lish for virtue and religion, ought in the 
 jfirst place, to be proposed to you. 
 
 Verse was at first designed for the ser- 
 vice of God, though it hath been v, retch- 
 edly abused since. The antients among 
 the Jews and the- Heathens^ taught their 
 Children and Disciples the precepts of 
 morality and worship in verse. The chil- 
 dren of Israel were commanded to learn 
 the song of Moses^ Deut. xxxi. 19. 20. 
 and we are directed in the New Testa- 
 ment, not only to sing with grace in the 
 heart, but to teach and admonish one ano- 
 ther by Hymns and Songs, Eph. v. 19* 
 
 The greatest part of this little book was 
 composed several yea*s ago, at the request 
 
iy PREFACE, 
 
 of a friend, who has been long engaged 
 in the v/ork of catechising a very great 
 liumber of Children of all kinds, and willi 
 abundant skill and success. So that you 
 will find here nothing that favors of a par- 
 ty : the Children of high and low degree, 
 cf the Church oi England^ or Dissenters, 
 baptised in infancy, or not, may all join 
 together in these Songs. And as I have 
 endeavored 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 offend none. I hope the more gene- 
 ral the sense is, these composures may 
 be of the more universal use andservlce- 
 
 I have added to the end some attempts 
 of Sonnets on Moral Subjects^ for Chil- 
 dren 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 educa- 
 tion : ma}' he succeed your cares with his 
 abundant grace, that the rising generation 
 may be a glory and pattern to the Christi- 
 an world, and a blessing to the earth. 
 
BMtegTy gyBiJU ' UHi 
 
 DIVINE SONGS, 
 
 FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 SONG I. 
 
 A general Song of Praise to God, 
 
 1 Hov/ glorious is our heav'nly King, 
 
 Who reigns above the sky ! 
 How shall a child presume to sing 
 Kis dreadful majesty ? 
 
 2 How great his pow'r is none can tell. 
 
 Nor think how large his grace : 
 Not men below, nor saints that dweH 
 On hi^h, before his face. 
 
6 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 3 Not angels that stand round the Lord 
 
 Can search his secret will ; 
 But they perform his heav'nly word, 
 And sing his praises still. 
 
 4 Then let me join this holy train. 
 
 And my first-offerings bring ; 
 Th' eternal God v/ill not disdain 
 To hear an infant sing. 
 
 5 My heart resolves, my tongue obeys, 
 
 And angels shall rejoice 
 To hear their mighty Maker's praise 
 Sound from a feeble voice. 
 
 SONG II. 
 
 Praise for Creation mid Providence* 
 
 1 I SING th' almighty pow'r of God, 
 
 That made the mountains rise ; 
 That spread the flowing seas abroad. 
 And built the lofty skies. 
 
 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 forrn'd the creatures with his word, 
 And t;hen pronounc'd them good. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 7 
 
 4 Lord, how thy wonders are displa} 'd 
 
 Where'er I turn ni}^ eye I 
 If I survey the ground I ti-ead, 
 Or gaze upon the sky. 
 
 5 There's not a plaiit or flow'r below, 
 
 But makes thy glories knov/n ; 
 And clouds arise and tempests blow, 
 By order from thy throne. 
 
 € Creatures (as numerous as they be) 
 Are subject to thy care; 
 There's not a place where we can flee, 
 But God is present there. 
 
 7 In heav'n he shines with beams of love ! 
 With v/rath in hell beneati>! 
 'Tis on his earth I stand or m^ove 
 And 'tis his air I breathe. 
 
 g. His hand is my perpetual guard, 
 He keeps me with his eye ; 
 Why should I then forget the Lord, 
 "\Vho is forever nigh I 
 
 SONG IIL 
 
 Praise to God for our Redemptioiu 
 
 1 BLEST be the wisdom and the powV, 
 The justice and the grace, 
 That join'd in council to restore * 
 And save our ruin'd race. 
 
8 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 2 Our father eat 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. 
 
 4 He honor'd all his Father's laws, 
 
 Which we have disobey 'd ; 
 
 He bore our sins upon the cross, 
 
 And our full ransom paid. 
 
 5 Behold him rising from the grave, 
 
 Behold him raised on high ; 
 He pleads his merits there to save 
 Transgressors doom'd to die. 
 
 6 There on a glorious throne he reigns. 
 
 And, by his power divine, 
 Redeems us from the slavish chains 
 Of Satan and of sin. 
 
 7 Thence shall the Lord to judgment come. 
 
 And with a sov'reign voice 
 Shall call, and oreak up every tomb, 
 While waking saints rejoice. 
 
 8 O may I then with joy appear 
 
 Before the Judge's face. 
 And, with the bless'd ussembly there. 
 Sing his redeeming grace. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 SONG IV. 
 
 Praise for 3Iercies spiritual and temporal, 
 
 1 WHENE'ER I take my walks abroad 
 
 How many poor I see, 
 What shall I render to my God 
 For all his gifts to me ! 
 
 2 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. 
 
 Z How many children in the street 
 Half naked I behold I 
 While I am cloth'd from head to feet, 
 And cover'd from the cold. 
 
 4 While some poor wretches scarce can tell 
 
 Where they may lay theii>head, 
 
 A 2 
 
10 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 I have a home wRcrein 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 feai*, 
 And do thy holy will. 
 
 6 A^e these thy favors day by day 
 
 To me above the rest ; 
 Then let me love thee more than they, 
 And tiy to serve thee best. 
 
 SONG V. 
 
 P r ah e for Birth and Education in a Chris^ 
 tlan Land. 
 
 1 GRE AT God, to thee my voice I raise, 
 To thee my youngest hours belong ; 
 
 I would begin my life with praise ; 
 Till growing years improve the song. 
 
 2 'Tis to thy sov'reign grace I owe 
 That I was born on Christian ground. 
 Where streams of heavenly mercy flow, 
 And words of stVeet salvation sound. % 
 
 3 I would not change my native land 
 For rich Peru, with all her gold ; 
 A nobler prize lies in my hand, 
 Than East or Western Indies hold. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. li 
 
 4 How do I pit}^ tho-se that dwell 
 Vv'^here ignoraiKe or darkness reigns, 
 They know no heaven they fear no hell, 
 Those endless joys, those endless pains 
 
 5 Thy glorious promises, O Lord, 
 Kindle my hopes and my desire, 
 While all the preachers of thy word 
 Warn me to 'scape eternal fire. 
 
 6 Thy praise shall still employ my breath 
 Since thod hast mark'd my way to 
 
 heav'n ; 
 Nor will I ran the road to death. 
 And waste the blessings thou hast glv'n« 
 
 SONG VL 
 
 Praise for the Gospel, 
 
 1 LORD I ascribe it to thy grace. 
 And not to chance as others do, 
 That I was born of Christian race. 
 And not a Heathen or a Je-^v^. 
 
 2 What would the ancient Jewish kings. 
 And Jewish prophets, once have, giv'i;, 
 Could they have heard those glorious 
 
 things 
 Which Christ reveard and brought 
 from heav'n ! 
 
12 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 3 How glad the Heathens would have been 
 That worship idols, wood and stone, 
 11 they the book of God had seen. 
 
 Or Jesus and his gospel known. 
 
 4 Then if this gospel I refuse, 
 How shall I e'er lift up mine eyes. 
 For all the Gentiles and the Jews, 
 Agrjnst me will in judgment rise. 
 
 SONG VII. 
 
 The Excellency of the Bible, 
 
 1 GREAT God, with wonder and with 
 
 praise. 
 On all thy works I look ; 
 But still thy wis-dom, pow'r and 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. 
 
 4f FIcre are my choicest treasures hid^ 
 Here my best comfort lies ; 
 Here my desires are satisfy'd. 
 And hence my hopes arise. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 13 
 
 Lord, make me understand thy law, 
 
 Show what my faults have been ; 
 And from thy gospel let me draw 
 
 Pardon for all my sin. 
 Here would I learn how Christ has dy'd 
 
 To save my soul from hell ; 
 Not all the books on earth beside 
 
 Such heav'nly wonders tell. 
 Then let me love my Bible more. 
 
 And take a fresh delight 
 By day to read these wonders o'er, 
 
 And meditate by night. 
 
 SONG viir. 
 
 Praise to God for learning to Read. 
 1 he praises of my tongue 
 1 offer to the Lord, 
 That I was taught, and learnt so young, 
 1 o road his holy word. 
 
14 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 2 That I am brought to know 
 The danger I was in, 
 
 By nature and by practice too, 
 A wretched slave to sin. 
 
 5 That I am led to see 
 I can do nothing well ; 
 And whither shall a sinner flee 
 To save himself from hell ? 
 
 4 Dear Lord, this book of thine 
 Informs me where to go 
 
 For grace to pardon all my sin, 
 Aftd make me holy too. 
 
 5 Here I can read and learn 
 How Christ, the Son of God, 
 
 Did vmdertake our great concern, 
 Our ransom cost his blood. 
 
 5 And nov/ he reigns above, 
 He sends his Spirit down. 
 To show the wonders of his love, 
 And make his gospel 'j^nown. 
 
 1 O may that spirit teach. 
 
 And make my heart receive 
 Those truths which all thy servants 
 preach, 
 And all thy saints believe, 
 
 3 Then shall I praise the Lord, 
 In a more cheerful strain, 
 
FOR CHILDREN. ii 
 
 That I wa^ taught to read his word, 
 And have not learnt in vain. 
 
 S O N G IX 
 
 The all-seeing God, 
 
 1 ALMIGHTY God, thy piercing eye, 
 
 Strikes through the shades of night, 
 And 9ur most secret actions lie 
 Ail open to thy sight. 
 
 2 There's not a sin that wc 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^ there ; 
 Be all expos'd before the sun, 
 While men and and angels hearr 
 
 4 Lord at thy foot asham'd I lie, 
 
 Upv.ard I dare not look ; 
 Pardon my sins before I die, 
 i\.ndblot them from thy book. 
 
 5 Remember all the dpng pains 
 
 That my Redeemer felt, 
 And let his blood wash out my stains, 
 And answer for my guilt. 
 
 6 O may I now forever fear 
 
 T' indulge a sinful thought, 
 Since the great God can see and hear, 
 And v/rites down ever^' fault. 
 
lf> DIVINE SONGS 
 
 S O N G X. 
 
 Solsmn Thoughts of God and Death, 
 
 1 THERE is a God that reigns above, 
 Loi'd of the heav'ns and earth and sens 
 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 iiiust 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 dravr, 
 Lord, I repent and seek thy face ; 
 For I have often broke thy lav/. 
 
 Ai There is an hour when I must die, 
 Kor do I knovv how scon 'iwill tcnif : 
 
FOR CHILDREN. \r 
 
 A thousand children young as I 
 
 Are call'dby 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, 
 Nor pardons offer'd to the dead. 
 
 Just as a tree cut 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. 
 
 SONG XL 
 
 Heaven and Hell, 
 
 THERE is beyond the sky 
 A heav'n of joy and love ; 
 And holy children when they die, 
 Go to that world above. 
 
 There is a dreadful hell. 
 And everlasting pains ; 
 There sinners must with devils dwell. 
 In darkness fire and chains. 
 
 Can such a wretch as I 
 Escape this cursed end? 
 And may I hope when'er I die, 
 I shall to heav'n ascend ? 
 
 Then will I read and pray, 
 While I have life and breathy 
 
18 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 Lest I should be cut off to day, 
 And sent t' eternal death. 
 
 SONG xir. 
 
 The advantages of earjy Religion, 
 
 1 HAPPY the child whose tender years 
 
 Receive instructions well ; 
 Who hates the sinner's path, and fearg 
 The road that leads to hell. 
 
 2 When we devote our youth to God, 
 
 'Tis pleasing in his eyes ; 
 A fiow'r when offered in the bud, 
 Is no vain sacrifice. 
 
 3 'Tis easier work if we begin 
 
 To fear the Lord betimes ; 
 While sinners that grow old in sin 
 Are harden^ in their crimes. 
 
 4 'Twill save us from a thousand snares 
 
 To mind religion young ; 
 Grace will preserve our foU'wing years, 
 And make our virtlte strong. 
 
 5 To thee, Almighty God, to thee 
 
 Our childhood we resign ; 
 'Twill please us to look back and see 
 That our whole lives were thine. 
 
 6 Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise 
 
 Employ my youngest breath : 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 1? 
 
 Thu3 I'm prepar'd for longer dars 
 Or fit for early death. 
 
 SONG XIII. 
 
 The danger of Dclai/. 
 
 1 WHY should I say, " Tis yet too soon 
 
 " To seek for heav'n or think of 
 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 Whatif the Lord grow wrath and swear, 
 
 While I refuse to read and pray, 
 That he'll refuse to lend an ear 
 To all my groans another day. 
 
 4 What if his dreadful anger bum. 
 
 While I re^e his offer'd grace, 
 And all his 1 JR to fury turn, 
 
 And strike m? dead upon the place. 
 
 5 'Tis dang'rous to firoYoke a God ; 
 
 His pow'r and vengeance none can 
 tell; 
 One stroke of his almighty rod 
 
 Shall send young sinners quick to helL 
 
20 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 6 Then 'twill forever 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, 
 
 SONG XIV. 
 
 Examples of early Piety. 
 
 1 WHAT blest examples do I find 
 
 Writ in the word of truth, 
 Of children that begin to mind, 
 Religion in their youth ! 
 
 2 Jesus ^7h'0 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 3^ears old he talk'd with men, 
 
 (Th& Jews all wond'ring stand) 
 Yet he obev'd his mother theny 
 And came at her q^i^mand. 
 
 4f Children a sweet Ho^nna sung, 
 And bless'd their iSi^iour's name, 
 Thev gave him honor v. ' tli their tongue. 
 While Scribes and Priests blaspheme. 
 
 5 Sranuel the child was wean'd and bro't 
 To wait upon the Lord ; 
 Young Timothy hy times \vA:5. tauglit 
 To know his holy word. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 21 
 
 6 Then why should I so long delay 
 What others learnt so soon I 
 I would not pass another day 
 Without this work begun. 
 
 SONG XV. 
 
 Against Lying. 
 
 1 O' 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. 
 
 2 But liars we can never trust, 
 
 Tho' thev should speak the thing 
 that's true : 
 And he that does one fault at first, 
 And lies to hide it makes it tvv o. 
 
 3 Have we not known, norheard, nor read 
 
 How God abhors deceit and v/rong? 
 How Annanias was struck dead. 
 Caught witlf*»lie upon his tongue I 
 
 4 So did his wife Sapphira die, 
 
 V/hen she came in anjd grev/ so bold, 
 As to confirm that wicked lie, 
 
 That just before her husband told. 
 
 5^The Lord delights in them that speak 
 '• • The words of trutlvj. but ev^y lyar 
 Must have his portion in the lake 
 That burns with brimstone &: with fire. 
 
22 
 
 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 Then let me always watch my lips^ 
 Lest I be struck ta death and hell. 
 
 Since God a book of reckoning keeps. 
 For ev'ry lie that children telL 
 
 SONG XVI. 
 
 Agahist ^larrelling and Fighting* 
 
 1 LET dogs delight to bark and bite^ 
 For God hath made them so; 
 L et bears and lions growl and fight. 
 For tis their nature too. 
 
 -' But, children, you should never let 
 Such^ngry passions rise ; 
 Your little hands wers never made 
 To tear each other's. eyes. 
 
 > Let love through all your actions run, 
 And all vour works be mild; 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 2 3 
 
 Live like the blessed Virgin's Son, 
 That sweet and lovely child. 
 
 4 His soul was gentle as a Iamb ; 
 
 And as his stature grew, 
 He grew in favor both with maa 
 And God his father too. 
 
 5 Now 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. 
 
 SONG XVIL 
 
 Lo^e between Brothers and Sisters. 
 
 IWH ATE VE R brawls disturb the stre et 
 There should be peace at home, 
 Where sisters dwell, and brothers meet, 
 Quarrels should never come, 
 
 2 Birds in their little nests agree ; 
 
 And 'tis a shameful sight. 
 When children of one family 
 Fall out, and chide and light. 
 
 3 Hard names at first, and threatening 
 
 words, 
 That arc but noisy breath, 
 jVIaygrowto clubs and naked swords, 
 To murder and to deati^. 
 
24 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 4 The devil tempts one mother's soa 
 
 To rage against another: 
 So wicked Cain was hurried on 
 Till he had kiU'dhis brother. 
 
 5 The wise will make their anger cool, 
 
 At least beforfe 'tis night ; 
 But in the bosom of a fool 
 It burns till morning light. 
 
 6 Pardon, O Lord, our childish rage, 
 
 Our little brawls remove ; 
 That as we grow to riper age, 
 Our hearts may all be love. 
 
 SONG XVIII. 
 
 Against Scoffing and calling Names. 
 
 1 OUR tongues were made to bless the 
 
 And not speak ill of men ; [Lord, 
 When others give a railing word, 
 We must not rail again. 
 
 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. 
 
 3 But lips that dare be so profane, 
 
 To mock, and jeer, ar:l scoff 
 At holy things, or holy men. 
 The Lord shall cut them off. 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 25 
 
 4 When Children in their wanton play, 
 
 Serv'd old Elisha so, 
 And bid the prophet go his way, 
 " Go up, thou bald-head, go." 
 
 5 God quickly stop their wicked breath, 
 
 And sent two raging bears, 
 That tore them limb from Ujnb to 
 death, 
 With blood, and groans, and tears-. 
 
 6 Great God, how terrible art thou ! 
 
 To sinners e'er so young 1 
 Grant me thy grace, and teach me how 
 To tame and rule my tongue. 
 
 SONG XIX. 
 
 Against Sxvearing^ and Cursings andtakkig 
 God'^s narp-e in vniru 
 
 1 ANGELS, that high in glory dwell,: 
 
 Adore thy name, Almighty God I 
 And devils tremble down to hell, 
 Beneath the terrors of thy rod. 
 
 2 And yet how wicked children dare- 
 
 Abuse thy dreadful glorious nixme ! 
 And when they're angry how they svf ear. 
 And curse their fellows, and blas- 
 pheme I 
 ^ How \vill they stand before thy face, 
 Who treated thee with such disdain, 
 B 
 
26 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 While thou shalt doom them to the place 
 Of everlasting fire and pain ! 
 4- There never shall one cooling drop^ 
 To quench their burning tongues 
 be giv'n ; 
 But I will praise thee here, and hope 
 Thus to employ my tongue in heav'n. 
 
 5 My heart shall be in pain to hear 
 
 Wretches affront the Lord above : 
 'Tis that great God whose pow'r I fear 
 That heav'nly Father whom I love, 
 
 6 If my companions grow profane, 
 
 I'll quit their friendship when I hear 
 
 Young sinners take thy name in vain, 
 
 And learn to curse, and learn to swear. 
 
 S O N G XX. 
 
 Ag(iinst Idleness and Mischief* 
 
 1 HOW doth the little busy bee 
 
 Improve each shining hour, 
 And gather honey all the day 
 From ev'ry op'ning flow'r '. 
 
 2 How skilfully she builds her cell I 
 
 How neat she spreads the wax ! 
 And labours hard to store it well 
 With the sweet food she makes. 
 
 3 In works of labor, or of skill, 
 
 I would be busy too ; 
 
FOR CHILDREN, 27 
 
 For Satim finds some mischief still 
 For idle hands to do. 
 
 4 In books, or works, or healthful play, 
 Let my first years be past ; 
 That I may give for ev'ry day 
 Some good account at last. 
 
 SONG XXL 
 
 Against Evil Company. 
 
 1 WHY should I join with those in play, 
 
 In whom I've no delight 
 Who curse and svv^ear, but never pray ; 
 Who call ill-names and fight t 
 
 2 I hate to hear a wanton song, 
 
 Their words offend my ears ; 
 
 I should not dare defile my tongue 
 
 With language such as theirs. 
 
 3 Away from fools I'll turn my eyes, 
 
 Nor with the scoffers go : 
 I would be walking with the wise. 
 That wiser I may grow. 
 
 4 From one rude boy that us'd to mock. 
 
 They learn the wicked jest, 
 One sickly sheep infects the flock, 
 And poisons all the rest. 
 
 5 My God I hate to walk or dwell 
 
 With sinful children here ; 
 
28 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 Then let me not b^ sent to hell, 
 Where none but sinners are. 
 
 SONG XXII. 
 
 Against Pride in Clothes , 
 
 1 Why 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 covVing 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 show 
 Our clothes, and call them rich and new! 
 When the poor sheep and silk wormwore 
 
 That very clopvthing long before. 
 
 4 The tulip and the butterfly 
 Appear in gayer coats than I ; 
 Let me be drest fine as I will, 
 Fliesjwormsandflow'rs exceed me still. 
 
 5 Then will I set my heart to find 
 Inward adornings of the mind j 
 Knowledge and virtue, truth :ind grace, 
 These are ^he robes of richest dress. 
 
 6 No more shall worms with me compare j 
 This is the raiment Angels wear : 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 29 
 
 The Son of God when here below, 
 Put on his blest apparel too. 
 
 7 It never fades, it ne'er grows old. 
 Nor fears, the rain, nor moth,nor mold ; 
 It takes no spot, but still refines. 
 The more 'tis worn, the more it shines. 
 
 S In this on earth would I appear. 
 Then go to heav'n and wear it there ; 
 God will approve it in his sight ; 
 'Tis his own work and his delight. 
 
 SONG XXIII. 
 
 Obedience to Parents.. 
 t LET children that would fear the Lord, 
 Hear what their teachers say ; 
 With rev'rence meet their parents Vord 
 And with delight obey.. 
 
 2 Have ye notheard what dreadful plagues 
 
 Are threaten'd by the Lord, 
 To him that breaks his father's law, 
 Or mocks his motlier's word 1 
 
 3 What heavy guilt upon him lies ! 
 
 How cursed is his name I 
 The ravens shall pick out his eyes, 
 And eagels eat the same. 
 
 4 But those who worship God, and give 
 
 Their parents honor due, 
 
30 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 Hei-e on this earth they longshalllivc, 
 And live hereafter too. 
 
 SONG XXIV. 
 
 The ChilcVs Complaint. 
 
 1 AVH Y should I love my sport so well, 
 
 So constant at my play ; 
 And lose the thoughts ofheav'n and hell 
 And then forget to pray I 
 
 2 What do I read my Bible for. 
 
 But, Lord, to learn thy will ? 
 And shall I daily know thee more, 
 And less obey thee still i 
 
 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. 
 
 4 Make me thy heavenly voice to hear, 
 And let me love to pray. 
 Since God will lend a gracious ear 
 To what a child can say. 
 
 SONG XXV. 
 
 A Morning Song, 
 1 MY God, who makesthesun to know. 
 His proper hour to rise, 
 And, to give light to ail below. 
 Doth send him round the skies* 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 31 
 
 2 When from the chambers of the east 
 
 His morning-race begins 
 He ne\^er tires, nor stops to rest, 
 But round the world he shines. 
 
 3 So like the sun, would I fulfil 
 
 The busMess of the day ; 
 Begin mv'work betimes, and still 
 March on my heav'nly Way. 
 
 4 Give me, O Lord, thy early grace, 
 
 Nor let my soul complain, 
 That the young morning of my days 
 Has all been spent in vain. 
 
 SONG XXVI. 
 
 All Evening Song, 
 
 1 AND no^7 another day is gone, 
 
 I'll sing my Maker's praise, 
 My comforts ev'ry hour make known 
 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 my bed. 
 
32 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 4 With cheerful heart I close my eyes : 
 Since thou wilt not remove ; 
 And in the morning let me rise, 
 Rejoicing in thy love. 
 
 SONG XXVII. 
 
 For the Lord^s-^Day, Morning, 
 
 1 THIS is the day when Clirist arose 
 
 So early from the dead ; 
 Why should I keep my eye-lids clos'd. 
 And waste my hours in bed ? 
 
 2 This is the dawn when Jesus broke 
 
 The pow'r of death and hell, 
 And shall I still wear Satan's yoke. 
 And love my sins so well t 
 
 3 To-day, with pleasure, Christains m€<?t> 
 
 1 o pr?,)- and hear the word \ 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 33 
 
 And I would go with cheerful feet, ,, 
 To learn thy holy will. 
 
 4 ril leave my sport to read and pray, 
 And so prepare for heav'n : 
 O may I love this blessed day 
 The best of all the sev'n ! 
 
 SONG XXVIII. 
 
 For the Lord?s-Day . Evening, 
 
 1 LORD, hov/ delightful 'tis to see 
 A whole assembly worship thee 1 
 At once they sing, at once they pray; 
 They hear of heav'n andlearn the way. 
 
 2 I have been there, and still would go ; 
 'Tis like a little heav'n below ; 
 
 Not all my pleasure and my play 
 Should tempt m.e to forget this day. 
 
 ■S O write upon my mem'ry, Lord, 
 The text and doctrines of thy word ; 
 That I may break thy laws no more. 
 But love thee better than before. 
 
 4 Withtho'ts of Christ, and things divine 
 Fill up this foolish heart of mine ; 
 That hoping pardon through his blood, 
 I may lie down, and wake with God. 
 
34 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 • The Ten Commandments from Old Testa- 
 vrLent put iiito short rhyme for Children, 
 
 Exodus, Chap. xx. 
 
 1 THOU shalthave 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 honor due. 
 
 6 Take heed that thou no murder do. 
 
 7 Abstain from words & deeds unclean; 
 
 8 Nor steal tho' thou art poor and mean ; 
 
 9 Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it. 
 
 10 What is thy neighbor's dare not covet. 
 
 The Sum of the Commandments outoftht 
 Nezv Testament. 
 
 Matt. xxii. 37. 
 WITH all thy soul love God above, 
 And as thyself thy neighbor love. 
 
 Our Saviour"* s Golden Rule* 
 
 Matt. vii. 12. 
 BE you to others kind and true. 
 As you'd have other's be to you, ; 
 And neither do nor say to men 
 Whate'er you would ndt take again. 
 
±^0R CHILDREN. 35 
 
 Duty to God and our Neighbor, 
 
 1 LOVE God with all your soul and 
 
 strength, 
 With all your heart and mind ; 
 And love your neighbor as yourself ; 
 Be faithful just and kind. 
 
 2 Deal with another as you'd have 
 
 Another deal with you ; 
 What you're unwillingto receive 
 Be sure you never do. 
 
 Out of my Book of Hymns I have here fl^^jW- 
 ed the Yios2ca.T\2L and Glory to the Father, 
 £ifc. to be sung at the endofanij of these 
 Song^, according to the direction of Pa- 
 tents or Governors, 
 
 The Hosanna ; or, Salvation ascribed to 
 Christ, 
 
 Long Metre. 
 
 1 HOSANNA to King David's Son 
 Who reigns on a superior throne ! 
 We'll bless the Prince of heav'nly birth. 
 Who brings salvation down to earth, 
 
 2 Let ev'ry nation, ev'ry age, 
 
 In this delightful work engage ; 
 Old men and babes in Sion sing 
 The growing glories of her King ■" 
 
36 DIVINE SONGS 
 
 Common Metre. 
 
 1 HOSANNA to the Prince of Grace, 
 
 Slon, behold thy King I 
 Proclaim the Son of David's race, 
 And teach the babes to sing. 
 
 2 Kosanna to th' eternal Word, 
 
 Who from the Father came ; 
 
 Ascribe salvation to the Lord, 
 
 With blessings on his name. 
 
 Short Metre. 
 
 1 HOSANNA to the Son 
 
 Of David and of God, 
 Who brought the news of pardon down, 
 And bought it with his blood. 
 
 2 T' Christ, the anointed King, 
 
 Be endless blessings giv'n f 
 Let the whole earth his glory sing, 
 Who made our peace with heav'n. 
 
 Glory to the Father^ Son^ ^c» 
 
 TO God the Father, God the Son, 
 And God the Spirit, Three in One ; 
 Be honor, praise, and glory giv 'n, 
 By all on earth, and all in heaven*, 
 
FOR CHILDREN. 37 
 
 Common Metre. 
 
 NOW let the Faiher arxd the Son 
 
 And Spirit be ador'd, 
 Where there are works to make him 
 known, 
 
 Or saints to love the Lord. 
 
 Short Metre. 
 GIVE to the Father praise, 
 
 Give glory to the Son ; 
 And to the Spirit of his Grace 
 
 i3e equal honor done. 
 
 
A 
 
 SLIGHT SPECIMEN 
 
 OF 
 
 MORAL SONGS. 
 
 Such as I tJoish some happy and condescend" 
 ing genius would undertake for the use 
 of children^ and perform much better, 
 
 THE sense and subjects might be bor- 
 rowed plentifully from the Proverbs of 
 Solomon^ frofii all the common appearance 
 of nature, from all the occurrences of ci- 
 vil life, both in city and country ; (which 
 v/ould also afford matter for other divine 
 Songs.) Here the language and measures 
 should be easy, and flowing with cheer- 
 fulness, with or without the solemnity of 
 religion, or the sacred names of God and 
 holy things, tha.t children might find de- 
 light and profit together. 
 
 This would be one effectual way to de- 
 liver them from the temptations of lov- 
 ing or learning those idle, wanton or pro- 
 fane songs, which give so early an ill 
 taint to the fancy and memory, and be- 
 come the seeds of future vices* 
 
SPECIMEN OF iMORAL SONGS. 39 
 
 S O ]N G I. 
 
 The Sluggard, 
 1 TIS the voice of the Sluggard ; I heard 
 
 him complain, 
 " You have wak'd me too soon, Imust 
 
 slumber again ;" 
 As the door on its hinges, so he on his 
 
 bed, 
 Turns his sides, and his shoulders, 
 
 and his heavy.head. 
 '2 " A little more sleep, a little m.ore 
 
 slumber," 
 Thus he wastes half his days and his 
 
 hours without number ; 
 And when he gets up he sits folding 
 
 his hands. 
 Or walks about saunt'rlng, or trifling 
 
 he stands. 
 
40 A SPECIMEN OF 
 
 3 I pass'd by his garden, and saw the 
 
 wild brier, 
 
 The thorn and the thistle, grow broad- 
 er and higher. 
 
 The cloaths that hang on him are turn- 
 ing to rags : 
 
 And his money still wastes, till he 
 starves or he begs. 
 
 4 I made him a visit still hoping to find 
 He had took better care from improv- 
 ing his mind: 
 
 He told me his dreams, talked of eating 
 and drinking; 
 
 But he scarce reads his bible, and ne- 
 ver loves thinking. 
 
 5 Said I then to my heart, 'here's les- 
 
 son for me ; 
 
 That man's but a picture of what I 
 might be : 
 
 But thanks to my friends for their care 
 in my breeding. 
 
 Who taught me betimes to love work- 
 ing and reading. 
 
 SONG II. 
 
 Innocent Play, 
 I . ABROAD in the meadows to see the 
 young lambs 
 Run sporting about by the side of ther 
 dams, 
 
MORAL SONGS. 41 
 
 With fleeces so clean and so white ; 
 Or a nest of young doves in a large 
 
 open cage 
 When they play all in love without 
 
 anger or rage ; 
 How much may we learn from the 
 
 sight ! 
 
 2 If we had been ducks, we nfight dab- 
 ble in mud ; 
 Or dogs, we might play till it ended in 
 blood ; 
 So foul and so fierce are their nature: 
 But Thomas and William and such 
 
 pretty names, 
 Should be cleanly and harmless as 
 
 doves or as lambs, 
 Thoselovely sweet innocent creatures. 
 
 5 Nor a thing that we do, nor a word 
 that we say. 
 Should hinder another in jestingor play; 
 For he's still in earnest that's hurt : 
 How rude are the boys that throw peb- 
 bles and mire ! 
 There's none but a madman will fling 
 about fire. 
 And tell you "tis all but in sport." 
 
42 
 
 A SPECIiMEN OF 
 
 SONG III, 
 
 The Rose. 
 
 1 HOW fair is the Rose I what a beauti- 
 
 ful flower ! 
 The glory of April and May : 
 But 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 
 colors are lost, 
 Still how sweet a perfume it will yield! 
 
 3 So frail is the youth, and the beauty of 
 
 men, 
 Tho' they bloom and look gay like 
 the rose ; 
 
MORAL SONGS. 43 
 
 But all our fond care to preserve them 
 in vain ; 
 Time kills them as fast as he goes. 
 
 4 Then I'll not be proud of my youth or 
 
 my beauty, 
 Since both of them wither and fade ; 
 But gain a good name by well doing 
 my duty ; 
 This will scent like a rose when I'm 
 dead. 
 
 SONG IV. 
 
 The Thief, 
 
 X WHY should I deprive my neighbor 
 Of his goods against his will ? 
 Hands were made for honest labor, 
 Not to plunder or to steal. 
 2 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, 
 
 5 Have not Eve and Adam taught us 
 
 Their sad profit to compute f 
 To what dismal state they brought us 
 When they stole forbidden fruit I 
 4 Oft we see a young beginner 
 
 Practise little pilfering v/ays, 
 
44 A SPECIMEN OF 
 
 Till grown up an hardened sinner, 
 Then the gallows ends his days. 
 
 5 Theft will not be always hid den, 
 
 Tho' we fancy none can spy : 
 
 When we take a thing forbidden, 
 
 God beholds it with his eye. 
 
 6 Guard my heart, O God of Heaven, 
 
 Lest I covet what's not mine ; 
 Lest I steal what is no t given, 
 
 Guard my heart and hands from sin. 
 
 SONG V. 
 
 The Ant and Emmet 
 
 1 THESE Emmets, how Iktle they arc 
 
 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 blaggard, and many a 
 fool, 
 Some lessons of ^visdom might learn. 
 
 2 They dont wear their time out in sleep- 
 
 ing and play, ^,^. 
 
 But gather up corn in a sun-shiny day. 
 
 And for wuiter they lay up their stores: 
 They manage their work in such regular 
 fprms, 
 
MORAL SONGS, 45 
 
 One would think they foresaw all the frosts 
 and the storms, 
 And so brought their food within doors. 
 
 3 But I have less sense than a poor creep- 
 
 ing Ant, 
 If I take not due care for the things I shall 
 Vv^ant, 
 Nor provide against danger in time : 
 When death or old age shall stare in my 
 
 face. 
 What a wretch shall I be in the end of my 
 days, 
 If I trifle away all their prime. 
 
 4 Now, not/ while my strength and my 
 
 3'outh are in bloomy 
 Let me think what vv^ill sei-\-e me when 
 sickness shall come, 
 And pray that my sins be forgiven ; 
 Let me read in good books, and believe 
 
 and obey. 
 That when death turns me out of this cot- 
 tage of clay, 
 J may dwell in a palace in heaven. 
 
 S^ N G VI. 
 
 Good Resolutions. 
 
 % THO* I am now in younger days 
 Nor can tell what shall befal roe. 
 
46 A SPECIMEN OF 
 
 111 prepare for ev'ry place, 
 
 Where my growing age shall call me ^ 
 
 2 Should I e'er be rich or great, 
 
 Others shall partake my goodness ; 
 I'll supply the poor with meat, 
 
 Never shewing scorn rior rudeness. 
 
 3 Where I see the blind or lame. 
 
 Deaf, or dumb, Fil kindly treat them: 
 I deserve to feel the same 
 
 If I mock, or hurt or cheat them. 
 4' If I meet with railing tongues, 
 
 Why should I return them railing, 
 Since I best revenge my wrongs 
 By my patience never failing ? 
 > When I hear them telling liqs, 
 
 Talking foolish, cursing, swearing ; 
 First I'll try to make them wise 
 Or I'll soon go out of hearing. 
 ) What tho' I be low and mean, 
 I'll engage the rich to love me, 
 While I'm modest, neat and clean. 
 And submit when they reprove me. 
 r If I should be poor or sick, 
 
 I shall meet, I hope with pity, 
 3ince I love to help the weak, 
 
 Tho' they're nether fair nor witty. 
 I'll not willingly offend, 
 Nor be easily offended ; 
 
MORAL SONGS. 51 
 
 10 See the lovely babe a dressing; 
 
 Lovel)' infant, how he smil'd ! 
 When he wept, the mother's blessing 
 Sooth'd and hush'd the holy child. 
 
 1 1 Lo I he slumbers in a 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. 
 
 1 3 May'st thou live to know and fear him 
 
 Trust and love him all thy days ; 
 Then go dwell for ever near him, 
 See his face and sing his praise I 
 
 14 I could give thee thousand kisses, 
 
 Hoping what I most desire ; 
 Not a mother's fondest wishes 
 Can to greater joys aspire. 
 
 End of the Divine Songs. 
 
J ' ' -I ' ■ - - ^ 
 
 THE 
 
 PRINCIPLES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 
 
 Expressed in plain and easy Verse, 
 
 BY p. DODDRIDGE, D. D. 
 
 Of our own Nature audits chief Glory and 
 Happiness, 
 
 NOW for awhile aside I'll lay 
 My childish trifles and my play ; 
 And call my thoughts which rove abroad, 
 To view myself, and view my God ; 
 I'll look within, that I may see 
 What I now am, what I must be. 
 I am the creature of the Lord ; 
 He made me by his pow'rful word ; 
 This body in each carious part. 
 Was wrought by his unfailing art ;. 
 From him my nobler spirit came. 
 My soul, a spark of heav'nly flame ; 
 That soul by which my body liv^cs, 
 Which thinks, and hopes, and joys and 
 
 grieves. 
 And must in heav'n or hell rempn, 
 When flesh is tm-ned to dust again. 
 
THE PRINCIPLES, &c. 53 
 
 What business then should I attend ? 
 Or what esteem my noblest end ? 
 Sure it consists in this alone, 
 That God my Maker may be known ; 
 So known that I may love him still, 
 And form my actions by his will ; 
 That he may bless me while I live, 
 And when I die my soul receive, 
 To dwell forever in his sight. 
 In perfect knowlecV^^e and delight. 
 
 The Knowledge of God^ and otir Duty to 
 be learnt from the Bible ^ 
 HOW shall a little infant learn, 
 This grea.t, this infinite concern. 
 What my almighty maker is, 
 And w^hat the way this God to please ? 
 
 ' Shall some bright angel spread his wing, 
 The welcome message down to bring? 
 
54 ' PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 Or must we dig beneath the ground, 
 Deep as where silver mines are found. 
 
 I bless his name for what I hear ; 
 The word of life and truth is near ; 
 His gospel sounds through all our land : 
 Bibles are lodg'd in every hand : 
 That sacred book, inspir'd by God, 
 In our own tongue is spread abroad : 
 That book may little children read, 
 And learn the knowlege which they need ; 
 I'll place it still before my eyes. 
 For there my hope and treasure lies. 
 
 Of the Nature and Attributes of the blessed 
 God. 
 
 GOD is a spirit none can see ; 
 He ever was, and e'er shall be ; 
 Present where'er his creatures dwell. 
 Thro' earth and sea, thro' heav'n and hell. 
 
 His eye with infinite survey. 
 Views all their realms in full display ; 
 What has been, is, or shall be done, 
 Or here, or there, to him is known : 
 Nor can one thought arise unseen, 
 In mind of angels or of men: 
 Yet far above all anxious cares. 
 Calmly he rules his grand affairs ; 
 While wisdom infinite attends, 
 By surest means? the noblest ends., 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION, 55 
 
 Majestic from his lofcy throne 
 He speaks, and all his will is done j 
 Nor can united worlds withstand 
 The force of his almighty hand ; 
 Yet ever righteous are his ways, 
 Faithful and true whate'er he says : 
 The holy, holy, holy Lord, 
 By all the angelic hosts ador'd. 
 
 The bounty of his gracious hands, 
 Wide as the world he made extends ; 
 And tho' himself completely bless'd, 
 With pity looks on the distress'd. 
 And by his Son, our Saviour dear, 
 To sinners brings salvation near. 
 
 All that is glorious, good and great, 
 Does in the Lord Jehovah meet : 
 Then to his name be glory giv'n 
 By all on earth, and all in heav'n. 
 
 Of God's relation to us, 
 THE Lord my Maker I adore, 
 Created by his love and power ; 
 He fashion'd in their various forms. 
 Angels and men, and beasts and worms, 
 And all their well-rang 'd orders stand ; 
 Supported by his pow'rful hand. 
 
 Father of light, amidst the skies 
 He bids the golden sun arise ; 
 He scatters the refreshing rain, 
 To cheer the grass and swell the grain i 
 
56 PRINCIPLEvS OF THE 
 
 And ev'ry day presents the food 
 That satisfies my mouth with good. 
 
 At home, abroad, by night, by day, 
 He is my guardian and my stay ; 
 And sure 'tis fit my soul should know, 
 He is my Lord and sov'reign too. 
 
 O may that voice that speaks his law, 
 My heart to sweet obedience draw ; 
 That when I see the Judge descend, 
 I in that Judge may see my Friend. 
 
 The Sum of our Duty to God and Man. 
 
 THE knowledge which my heart desires 
 Is but to learn what God requires : 
 Speak then the word, my Father dear. 
 For all my soul's awake to hear : 
 And O, what joy my breast must move 
 To hear that ail thy law is love 1 
 This is the sum of ev'ry part, 
 To love the Lord with ail my heart, 
 With all my soul, with all my might. 
 And in his service to delight : 
 That I should love my neighbors too. 
 And what I wish from them should do. 
 
 Ho w short and sweet, how good and plaia 
 Easy to learn and to retain I 
 O may thy grace my soul renew ! 
 And 'twill be sweet to practise too. 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 57 
 
 Hotv our Love to God is to be expressed, 
 SINCE love is as m}^ duty known, 
 How must this love to God be shown ? 
 Sure I the highest thoughts should raise 
 Of him who is above ail praise ; 
 His favors most of all desire, 
 And still to please him should aspire : 
 To him be constant worship paid ; 
 And ail his sacred laws obey'd : 
 
 If to ai?tict me be his will, 
 ni bear it with submission still : 
 A tender father sure he proves, 
 And but corrects because he loves 
 
 His word with diligence I'll hear j 
 To him present my daily pray'r ; 
 And vrhile new mercies I implore, 
 For blessings past I will adore ; 
 And ev'ry action shall express 
 A heart full charged with thankfulness. 
 Hozu love to our Neighbor should be ex^ 
 pressed, 
 I BY my love to men must prove, 
 How cordially my God I love : 
 To those whom he hath cloth'd with pow'r 
 I would be subject ev'ry hour ; 
 To parents, and to rulers too, 
 Pay honor and obedience due ; 
 In Qv^ry word would truth preserve 
 Nor let one act from justice swerve. 
 
58 PKINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 In all my feeble hands can do, 
 The good of all I would pursue ; 
 And where my pow'rs of action fail. 
 Kind wishes in my heart prevail 
 For ev'ry man, whoe'er he be 
 Stranger, or Friend, or Enemy.' 
 
 Since by God's pard'ning grace I live, 
 Well may I all my foes forgive : 
 And, as Christ's word and pattern show'd. 
 Conquer their evil by my good. 
 
 Sins to be avoided in Thought^ Word and 
 Action, 
 
 GUARD me, O God, from ev'ry sin. 
 Let heart, and tongue, and life be clean i 
 Tho' with ten thousand snares beset, 
 I never will my Lord forget. 
 
 Fain would I learn to lay aside 
 Malice, and stubborness and pride j 
 Envy, and ev'ry evil thought ; 
 Nor be my breast with anger hot : 
 Each other passion wild and rude, 
 I long to feel by grace subdu'd. 
 
 When thus my heart is well prepar'd. 
 My tongue I easily shall guard 
 From ev'ry oath and curse profane, 
 Nor take Gods rev'rend name in vain : 
 No sacred things shall I deride. 
 Nor scoff, nor rail, nor brawl, nor chide : 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 59 
 
 My soul will ev'ry He detest, 
 And ev'ry base indecent jest. 
 
 This humble wachful soul of mine 
 Shall with abhorrence then decline 
 The drunkard's cup, the glutton's feast, 
 That sink the man below the beast ; 
 Th' injurious blow, the w^anton eye ; 
 The loss of hours that quickly fly ; 
 And that which leads to ev'ry crime, 
 The vain mispence of sacred time ; 
 What brings dishonor on God's law. 
 Or what on man would mischief draw. 
 
 Of the mistry zvhich sin hath bro't upon us, 
 
 WHO can abide God's wrath, or stand 
 Before the terrors of his hand ? 
 Jehovah's curse what heart shall dare 
 To meet ? or what be strong to bear ? 
 
 He ev'ry good can take away, 
 And ev'ry evil on us lay : 
 Can by one single word bring down 
 The tallest head that w^ears a crown ; 
 The statesman wise, the warrior brave. 
 To moulder in the silent grave : 
 And send the wretched soul to hell. 
 To the fierce flames where devils dwell, 
 For endless years to languish there, 
 In pangs of infinite despair. 
 
 1 then poor feeble child, how soon 
 Must I dissolve before his frown I 
 
eo PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 And'yet his frowns and veng'ance too, 
 I, by my sins have made my due. 
 
 Is there no hope, and must I die ? 
 Is there no friend, nor helper nigh ? 
 Is it beyond repeal decreed. 
 That ev'ry soul that sins must bleed? 
 O let my longing, trembling ear 
 Some sound of grace and pardon hear I 
 My soul would the first news embrace, 
 And turn its trembling into praise. 
 
 Of the Gospd^ or the News of Salvation by 
 Christ. 
 
 WHAT joyful tidings do I hear ! 
 'Tis gosple grace salutes my ear : 
 And by that gracious sound I find. 
 This righteous God is mild and kind. 
 
 Jesus, his holy Son, displays 
 The wonders of his Father's grace ; 
 The great salvation, long foretold 
 By prophets to the Jews of old, 
 Is now in plainer words made known, 
 As to th' apostles clearly shown. 
 Bythis bless'd message bro't from heav'n 
 Pardon, and peace, and grace is giv'n. 
 
 O may I know that Saviour dear, 
 Whom God hath representedthere! 
 And that eternal life receive. 
 Which he has sent by God to give. 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 61 
 
 IVho C/irlbt is^ and hoxv he lived on earth. 
 
 JESUS ! how bright his glories shine 1 
 The great Immanuel is divine ; 
 One with the father he appears, 
 And all his Father's honors shares ; 
 Yet, he, to bring salvation down. 
 Has put our mortal nature on. 
 
 He in a humble virgin's womb 
 A feeble infant did become ; 
 A stable was his lodging made, 
 And the rude manger was his bed. 
 Growing in life he still was seen 
 Humble, laborious, poor and mean. 
 The Son of God from year to year, 
 Did as a carpenter appear. 
 
 ' At length when he to preach was sent, 
 Thro' towns and villages he went, 
 Andtravell'd with unwearied zeal, 
 God's will and nature to reveaL 
 
 To prove the heav'nly truths he taught 
 Unnumber'd miracles were v/rought j 
 The blind beheld him, and the ear 
 Which had been deaf, his voice could 
 Sickness obey'd his healing hand, [hear ; 
 And devils fled at his command ; 
 The lame for joy around hnm leap ; 
 The dead he. wakens from their sleep. 
 D 
 
63 PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 Thro' all his life his doctrine shines 
 Drawn in the plainest, fairest liites ; 
 And death at length did he sustain, 
 Our pardon and our peace to gain ; 
 That sinners v/ho condemned stood, 
 Might gain salvation by his blood ; 
 All honor then ascribed be, 
 To him who liv'd and dy'd for me ? 
 OfChrisfs (leather eswrection £sP ascension^ 
 
 JESUS, the righteous I lo, he dies, 
 For sin a spotless sacrifice ! 
 Justice has on his sacred head 
 The weight of our trangressions laid. 
 If God's own Son would sinners save, 
 He must be humbled to the grave ; 
 That so a pardoning God might shew 
 What veng'ance to our crimes was due. 
 
 Nail'dto the cross with tort'ring smart, 
 What anguish rack'd his tender heart I 
 Alas, how bitterly he cry'd ! 
 Tasted the vinegar and dy'd I 
 Cold in the tomb that mournful day, 
 My Saviour's mangled body lay, 
 Well may I blush, and weep t*) see 
 What Jesus bore for love of me. 
 
 But O my soul, thy grief refrain, 
 Jesus the Saviour lives again 1 
 On the third day the Conq'eror rose. 
 And gi?eatly triumph'd o'er his foes ; 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 63 
 
 Prov'd his recover'd life, and then 
 Ascended to his heav'n again. 
 Exalted on a shining throne, 
 At God's right hand he sits him dovvn^ 
 To plead the merits of his blood, 
 And rule for all his people's good : 
 Wide o'er all worlds his power extends, 
 And well can he protect his friends ; 
 May I in that blest band appear, 
 Secure from danger and from fear. 
 
 Of the Nature of Faith and Repentance, 
 THEY must repent and must believe^ 
 Who Christ's salvation would receive -^ 
 
 may the spirit faith impart. 
 And work repentance in my heart ! 
 
 Bless'd Jesus who can be so base 
 As to suspect thy pow'r of grace ! 
 Or who can e'er so stupid be. 
 To slight thy blessings, Lord and thee ! 
 With humble, rev'rent hope and love 
 
 1 to thy gracious feet would move, 
 And to thy care my all resign, 
 Resolv'd to be forever thine ; 
 Secure, if thou vouchsafe to keep 
 My feeble soul among thy sheep. 
 
 The sins and follies I have done. 
 Humbled in dust I would bemoan ; 
 And while past guilt I thus deplore, 
 I would repeat that guilt no more ; 
 
64 PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 But by a life of zeal and love 
 True faith and penitence approve : 
 So shall thy grace my sins forgive, 
 Jesus shall smile, and I shall live. 
 
 Of the assistance and influence of the bles^ 
 sed Spirit. 
 
 'TIS not in my weak power alone, 
 To melt this stubborn heart of stone. 
 My soul to change, my life to mend, 
 Or seek to Christ, that gen'rous friend. 
 
 'Tis God's own spirit from above, 
 Fixes our faith, inflames our love. 
 And makes a life divine begin 
 In wretched souls long dead in sin. 
 
 That most important gift of heav'n, 
 To those that ask and seek is giv'n ; 
 Then be it my immediate care, 
 With importunity of pray'r 
 To seek it in a Saviour's name, 
 Who will not turn my hope to shame. 
 
 God from on high his grace shall pour ; 
 My soul shall flourish more and more. 
 Press on with speed from grace to grace. 
 Till glory end and crown the race. 
 
 Since then the Father and the Son, 
 And Holy Spirit, Three in One, 
 Glorious beyond all speeeh and thought, 
 Have jointly my salvation wrought : 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 65 
 
 Vl\ join them in my songs of praise, 
 Now, and through heavens eternal days. 
 
 Of the Means of Grace which God hath ap^ 
 pointed, 
 
 WHAT kind provision God has made, 
 That we may safe in heaven be led ! 
 For this the prophets preachM and wrote, 
 For this the bless'd apostle taught ; 
 Taught, as that Spirit did inspire. 
 Who fell from heav'n in tongues of fire, 
 And gave them languages unknown, 
 That distant lands his grace might own* 
 His hand has kept the sacred page 
 Secure from men's and devils' rage. 
 
 For this he churches did ordain 
 His truths and worship to maintain ; 
 For this he pastors did provide, 
 In those assemblies to preside ; 
 And from the round of common days, 
 Mark'd out our sabbaths to his praise : 
 Delightful day ! when Christians meet 
 To hear, and pray, and sing, how sweet j 
 
 For this he gives, in solemn ways. 
 Appointed tokens of his grace : 
 In sacramental pledges there, 
 His soldiers to their General swear ^ 
 Baptiz'd into one common Lord, 
 Thfey joyfvil meet around his board i 
 
66 PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 Honor the orders of his house, 
 
 And speak their love,and seal their vows. 
 
 Of the Design and Obligation of Baptism, 
 
 IN baptism washed we all must be, 
 
 In honor of the sacred Three, 
 
 To shew how we are washM from sin, 
 
 In Jesus' blood and born again 
 
 B}^ grace divine, and thus are made 
 
 Members of Christ, our common head. 
 
 The father formed the glorious scheme, 
 And we adopted are by him. 
 
 The Son, great prophet, priest and king, 
 Did news of his redemption bring ; 
 He by his death our life procured, 
 And now besv.ows it as our Lord. 
 The holy Spirit witness bore 
 To this bless'd gospel heretofore : 
 And teaches those he's purify'd. 
 Faithful and patient to abide. 
 
 Into these names was I baptiz'd, 
 And be the honour justly priz'i ; 
 Nor let the sacred bond be broke, 
 Nor be my covenant God forsook, 
 Thus wash'd I keep my garments clean, 
 And never more return to sin. 
 One body now all Christians are ; 
 O may they in one spirit share ! 
 And cherish that endearing love, 
 In which the saints are ble^3l above 1 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION 67 
 
 On the Nature and Design of the Lord\s 
 
 Supper. 
 THE mem'ry of Christ's death is sweet. 
 When saints around his table meet, 
 And break the bread and pour the wine, 
 Obedient to his word divine. 
 
 As they the bread and cup receive, 
 So while on Christ their souls believe. 
 They eat his flesh, they drink his blood ; 
 Cordial divine, and heav'nly food! 
 Their cov'nant thus with God renew. 
 And love to ev'ry christian show. 
 
 Well may their souls rejoice & thrive : 
 
 may the blessed hour arrive. 
 When, ripe in knowledge and in grace, 
 
 1 at that board shall find a place ! 
 And now, what there his people do, 
 1 would at humble distance view j 
 Would look to Christ w ith grateful heart, 
 And in their pleasure take my part ; 
 Resolv'd while such a sight I see. 
 
 To live to him who dy'd for me. 
 Of the Nature and Office of Angels, 
 
 MY soul, the heav'nly world survey. 
 The regions of eternal day : 
 There Jesus reigns, and round his seat 
 Millions of holy angels meet. 
 
 Those moving stars, how bright they 
 Kow sweetly all their voices join [shine! 
 
€8 rPvINCTPLES OF THE 
 
 To praise their Maker, watchful still 
 
 To marlrthe signals of his will ; 
 
 While with their out-stretch'd wings 
 
 they stand, 
 To fly at his divine command. 
 
 All happy as they are and great, 
 Yet scorn they not on men to wait : 
 And little children in their arms 
 They gerj-tly bear, secure from harms. ^ 
 O may I, with such humble zeal. 
 My heavenly Father's word fulfil 1 
 That I when time has run its race, 
 May with bless 'd angels find a place. 
 Borne on their friendly wings on high, 
 To joys like theirs, which never die. 
 
 Of the Fall and State of the Devils, 
 WELL may I tremble when I read 
 That sin did heav'n itself invade : 
 Cuts'd pride, with subtilty unknown, 
 Perverted angels near God's throne ; 
 They sinn'd against his holy name, 
 And hateful devils they became : 
 But wrath divine pursu'd them soon, 
 And flaming vengeance hurl'd them down. 
 
 Now in the pangs of fierce despair, 
 Pris'ners at large they range in air ; 
 Walk thro' the earth, unheard, unseen, 
 And lay their snares for thoughtless m^^ 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION. 69 
 
 Tempt us to sin against our God, 
 And draw us to hell's downward road. 
 
 But God can all their power restrain : 
 My Saviour holds them in his chain, 
 Till at his bar they all appear, 
 And meet their final sentence there. 
 
 On Death, 
 LORD, I confess thy sentence just,. 
 That sinful man should turn to dust. 
 That I ere long should yield my breath, 
 The captive of all conq ring death. 
 
 Soon w'ill the awful hour appear, 
 When I must quit my dwelling here ; 
 These active limbs, to worms a prey, 
 In the cold grave must waste away ; 
 Nor shall I share in all that's done 
 In this wide world, bene?th the sun. 
 
 To distant climes, and seats unknown. 
 My naked spirit must be gone : 
 To God its maker must return. 
 And ever joy or ever mourn. 
 
 No room for penitence and prayer, 
 No farther preparation there 
 Can e'er be made ; the thought is vain ; 
 My state unalter'd must remain. 
 Awake, my soul, without delay. 
 That if God summons the-e this day. 
 Thou cheerful at his call may'st rise. 
 And spring to life beyond the skies. 
 
70 PRINCIPLES OF THE 
 
 On the Resurrection of the Dead, 
 
 WHAT awful ruins death has made ! 
 How low the wise and great are laid ! 
 Alike the saints and sinners die ; 
 Mould 'ring alike in dust they lie. 
 But there's a day shall change the scene^ 
 How awful to the sons of men I 
 
 When the arch-angel's trump shall 
 sound, 
 And shake the air and cleave the ground, 
 Jesus enthron'd in light appears, 
 Circled with angels, bright as stars : 
 ' Rise, ye that sleep,' the Lord shall say: 
 And all the earth, and all the sea, 
 Yield up the nations of the dead. 
 For ages in their bowels hid. 
 Bone knows its kindred bone again, 
 All cloth d anew with flesh and skin : 
 Each spirit knows its proper mate ; 
 They rise in array vast and great. 
 
 But oh! what difF'rent marks they bear, 
 Of transport some, and some of fear ; 
 When marshalld in the Judge's sight. 
 These to the left, those to the right, 
 Th-at they may that last sentence hear, 
 Which shcdl their endless state declare I 
 My soul in deep attention stay. 
 And learn th' event of such a dav. 
 
CHRISTIAN RELIGION 71 
 
 Of Judgment and Eternity* Heaven and 
 Hell 
 
 WHEN Christ to judge the world ie- 
 scends, 
 Thus shall he say to all his friends ; 
 " Come, blessed souls, that kingdom 
 ** My father did for you prepare [share, 
 *' Ere earth was founded : come & reign 
 *' Where endless life and joy remain." 
 
 Then to the wicked — " cursed crew, 
 " Depart, heav'n is no place for you : 
 "To these eternal burnings go, 
 " Whose pangs the rebel angels know." 
 
 He speaks, and straight his shining 
 With fiery thunder in their hands, [bands 
 Drive them away ; hells lake receives 
 The wretched on its flaming waves ; 
 Justice divine the gates shall bar, 
 And for a seal affix despair. 
 
 While Jesus rising from his throne, 
 Leads his triumphant army on, 
 To enter their divine abode. 
 In the fair city of their God. 
 There everlasting pleasures grow, 
 Full rivers of salvation flow ; 
 \ndall their happiness appears; 
 ncreasing with eternal years. 
 
72 PRINCIPLES, Sec. 
 
 The Conclusion^ in a practical Reflection 
 
 on the Wholes 
 AND now, mv heart, with rev'rend awe, 
 From hence thine own instruction draw. 
 I at this judgment must appear : 
 I must this solemn sentence hear, 
 (As I'm with saints or sinners plac'd) 
 ' Depart ye curs'd,' or ' come ye bless'd.* 
 For me the finiits of glorv grow ; 
 Or hell awaits my fall below. 
 
 Eternal God ! what shall I do ? 
 My nature trembles at the view ; 
 My deathless soul herself surveys, 
 With joy, and terror, and amaze. 
 O be thy shield around me spread, 
 To guard the spirit thou hast made I 
 Save me from snares of earth and hell, 
 And from myself preserve me well ; 
 Lest all the heavnly truths I know, 
 Should aggravate their guilt and woe ! 
 Thy power in weakness is display 'd, 
 If babes b}'' thee be conq^'ors made, 
 If Satan's malice shall confound, 
 And heav'n with praises shall resound. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
^ 
 
^i