And those who from the precept stray, To misery and ruin run. Be tender, generous, and kind ; And chase the sorrows from their mind. C.M. 1 THE wishes that the sluggard frames, Of course must fruitless prove; But has no heart to move. The fence is broken through, And no good crop in view. No difficulty meet; Of lions in the street. Distress and famine bring ? Can he in harvest hope to reap Who will not sow in spring ? 184 Tenderness and Mercy. 7's. 1 SWEET it is to see a child Tender, merciful, and mild ; a 2 Grieving that the world should be Such a scene of misery,- For transgressions not their own. 3 If the creatures must be slain, Thankless sinners to sustain, . Treat them gently when they die ; 4 Spare them while they yield their breath; Double not the pains of death ; God accounts the stroke a crime.' 5 God is love, and never can Smile upon a cruel man; Where His Spirit deigns to rest. 185 True Beauty (Prov. xxxi. 30). 1 How oft the youthful and the fair Pursue some dangerous way, And find that beauty is a snare To tempt their feet astray ! So pleasing to behold, And heaps of shining gold. The creature of a day; And soon it flies away. C.M. 4 But that rich gift, the fear of God, Ensnaring pride dispels ; True beauty also dwells. 186 Earthly Prospects Deceitful. 7's double. 1 OFT in vain the voice of truth Solemnly and loudly warns ; Thoughtless, inexperienced youth, Though it hears, the warning scorns ; Youth in Fancy's glass surveys Life prolonged to distant years, While the vast imagined space Filled with sweets and joys appears. 2 Awful disappointment soon Overclouds the prospect gay ; Some their sun goes down at noon, Torn by Death's strong hand away : Where are then their pleasing schemes ? Where the joys they hoped to find ? Gone for ever, like their dreams, Leaving not a trace behind. 3 Others, who are spared awhile, Live to weep o'er Fancy's cheat ; Find distress, and pain, and toil, Bitter things instead of sweet : Sin has spread a curse around, Poisoned all things here below; On this base polluted ground Peace and joy can never grow. 187 Remember now thy Creator. 7.6. 1 'REMEMBER thy Creator' In life's young morning—NOW! Its furrows on thy brow : And care is distant yet, Thy Maker to forget. The God who gave thee birth, On this His beauteous earth ; And evil days appear, Tell that the night is near. 3 'Remember thy Creator The God who reigns above ; And heaven is in His love. Dawn on thy youthful heart, When earth’s fair joys depart ! LIFE AND PRIVILEGES OF BELIEVERS. 188 Repentance. We're sorry and repent ; S.M. Yet still go on, from day to day, Just as we always went. The sins we loved before, By doing so no more. 189 The Touch of Faith. 7's. 1 As the Saviour passed along, Many people did Him throng; Therefore Jesus did not heed. press ; All physicians else had failed, But the touch of faith prevailed. 3 All who feel their need of grace Seek the mighty Saviour's face ; And to power His love is joined All who truly seek shall find. Rest, and health, and peace imparts; 190 The Fear of God. L.M. 1 THERE is a fear that knows no dread, A filial, childlike, godly fear : a |