THE ADVANTAGES OF EARLY

RELIGION.

1.

HAPPY the child whose youngest years

Receive instruction well;

Who hates the sinner's path, and fears

The road that leads to hell.

II.

When we devote our youth to God, 'Tis pleasing in His eyes:

A flower, when offer'd in the bud,

Is no vain sacrifice.

III.

'Tis easier work if we begin

To fear the Lord betimes;
While sinners, that grow old in sin,

Are harden'd in their crimes.

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"Twill save us from a thousand snares

To mind religion young;

Grace will preserve our following years,

And make our virtue strong.

V.

To Thee, Almighty God, to Thee
Our childhood we resign;

"Twill please us to look back and see
That our whole lives were Thine.

VI.

Let the sweet work of prayer and praise

Employ my youngest breath;

Thus I'm prepared for longer days,

Or fit for early death.