By A Collection of Hymns

      8s & 6s. For the same.
      1 HOW shall I walk my God to please,
      And spread content and happiness
      O'er all beneath my care?
      A pattern to my household give,
      And as a guardian angel live,
      As Jesu's messenger?

      2 The opposite extremes I see,
      Remissness and severity,
      And know not how to shun
      The precipice on either hand,
      While in the narrow path I stand,
      And dread to venture on.

      3 Shall I, through indolence supine,
      Neglect, betray, my charge divine,
      My delegated power?
      The souls I from my Lord receive,
      Of each I an account must give,
      At that tremendous hour!

      4 Lord over all, and God most high!
      Jesus, to thee for help I fly,
      For constant power and grace;
      That, taught by thy good Spirit and led,
      I may with confidence proceed,
      And all thy footsteps trace.

      5 O teach me my first lesson now!
      And, while to thy sweet yoke I bow,
      Thy easy service prove,
      Lowly and meek in heart, I see
      The art of governing like thee
      Is governing by love.