XII.—The advantages of early Religion.
1Happy the child whose tender years
receive instruction well;
Who hates the sinner's path, and fears
the road that leads to hell.
2When we devote our youth to God,
'tis pleasing in his eyes;
A flower, when offer'd in the bud,
is no vain sacrifice.
3'Tis easier work, if we begin
to fear the Lord betimes;
While sinners, who grow old in sin,
are hardened in their crimes.
4'Twill save us from a thousand snares,
to mind religion young;
Grace will preserve our following years,
and make our virtue strong.
5To thee, Almighty God, to thee
our childhood we resign;
'Twill please us to look back and see
that our whole lives were thine.
6Let the sweet work of prayer and praise
employ my youngest breath;
Thus I'm prepared for longer days,
or fit for early death.