By A Collection of Hymns

      L.M. For Parents.
      1 FATHER of all, by whom we are,
      For whom was made whatever is;
      Who hast entrusted to our care
      A candidate for glorious bliss:

      2 Poor worms of earth, for help we cry,
      For grace to guide what grace has given;
      We ask for wisdom from on high,
      To train our infant up for heaven.

      3 We tremble at the danger near,
      And crowds of wretched parents see,
      Who, blindly fond, their children rear
      In tempers far as hell from thee:

      4 Themselves the slaves of sense and praise,
      Their babes who pamper and admire,
      And make the helpless infants pass
      To murderer-Moloch through the fire.

      5 Rather this hour resume his breath,
      From selfishness and pride to save;
      By death prevent the second death,
      And hide him in the silent grave!

      6 Or, if thou grant a longer date,
      With resolute wisdom us endue,
      To point him out his lost estate,
      His dire apostasy to show:

      7 To time our every smile or frown,
      To mark the bounds of good and ill;
      And beat the pride of nature down,
      And subjugate his rising will.

      8 Him let us tend, severely kind,
      As guardians of his giddy youth;
      As set to form his tender mind,
      By principles of virtuous truth:

      9 To fit his soul for heavenly grace,
      Discharge the Christian parents' part,
      And keep him, till thy love takes place,
      And Jesus rises in his heart.