CHAPTER V. PROMISCUOUS PIECES. SECTION I. Gratitude to the Supreme Being. How cheerful along the gay mead, The myrtles that shade the gay bow'rs, Trees, plants, cooling fruits, and sweet flow'rs, Shall man, the great master of all, The only insensible prove? Forbid it, fair Gratitude's call! Forbid it, devotion and love! The LORD, who such wonders could raise, And still can destroy with a nod, My lips shall incessantly praise; My heart shall rejoice in my God. SECTION II. Acknowledgment of Divine favours. 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! Not more than others I deserve, 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! While some poor creatures scarce can tell, I have a home wherein to dwell, And rest upon my bed. While others early learn to swear, And curse, and lie, and steal, Are these thy favours, day by day, To me above the rest? Then let me love thee more than they, And try to serve thee best. WATTS. SECTION III. The excellence of the Bible. GREAT GOD! with wonder and with praise, On all thy works I look ; But still, thy wisdom, pow'r, and grace, Shine brightest in thy book. The stars, which in their courses roll, But thy good word informs my soul, The fields provide me food, and show But fruits of life and glory grow Here are my choicest treasures hid, Here my best comfort lies; Here my desires are satisfied, And hence my hopes arise. Lord! make me understand thy law; For here I learn how Jesus died, Not all the books on earth beside, Then let me love my Bible more, And take a fresh delight, By day to read these wanders o'er, SECTION IV. On industry. How does the little busy bee Improve each shining hour; And gather honey all the day, How skilfully she builds her cell! With the sweet food she makes. In works of labour or of skill, I would be busy too; In books, or work, or healthful play, Let my first years be past; That I may give for ev'ry day, WATTS. Some good account at last. WATTS. SECTION V. On early rising. How foolish they who lengthen night, Along the dewy lawn to rove, And hear the music of the grove! you, ye delicate and fair, Neglect to taste the morning air; This will your nerves with vigour brace, ARMSTRONG. |