25 EARLY PIETY. "I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth."—1 KINGS Xviii. 12. HAT bless'd examples do I find, WH Writ in the word of truth, Of children that began to mind Jesus, who reigns above the sky, At twelve years old he talk'd with men, Children a sweet hosanna sung, And bless'd their Saviour's name; They gave him honour with their tongue, While Scribes and Priests blaspheme. Samuel, the child, was wean'd and brought, To wait upon the Lord; Young Timothy betimes was taught, To know His holy word. Then why should I so long delay 26 YOUTHFUL DEDICATION. "While he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father."-2 CHRONICLES XXXIV. 3. APPY the child whose tender years HA Receive instructions well; Who hates the sinner's path, and fears When we devote our youth to God, A flower, when offer'd in the bud, 'Tis easier work if we begin To fear the Lord betimes; "Twill save us from a thousand snares, Grace will preserve our following years, To thee, Almighty God, to thee, "Twill please us to look back and see Let the sweet work of prayer and praise 27 THE HOLY SPIRIT'S GUIDANCE. "O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me." PSALM xliii. 3. HOME, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove, COME, With light and comfort from above: Be thou our guardian, thou our guide; O'er every thought and step preside. The light of truth to us display, And make us know and choose thy way: Plant holy fear in every heart, That we from God may not depart. Lead us to holiness, the road That we must take to dwell with God; Nor let us from his precepts stray. Lead us to God, our final rest, To be with Him for ever blest : 28 THE PRAYER OF YOUTH. "O God, thou hast taught me from my youth."-PSALM lxxi. 17. OW, Now, in my early days, Teach me thy will to know; Make an unguarded youth, Help me to choose the way of truth, My heart, to folly prone, Renew by power divine : Unite it to thyself alone, And make me wholly thine. Oh, let thy word of grace, My warmest thoughts employ : May thy young servants learn, 29 HEBREW CHILDREN'S TRUST. "Thou art my trust from my youth."-PSALM lxxi. 5. L ORD, we are come, of Israel's race, To offer, at the throne of grace, Our grateful notes of praise and pray'r. Though we are taught to read thy word, Jesus, in faith we look to thee, The giver of each good desire ; Our friends are gen'rous, kind, and free, Receive our thanks for ev'ry good, For blessings temp'ral and divine; O may our spirits be renew'd, May soul and body, Lord, be thine! |