,divine ,songs ,attempted in the ,easy ,language of ,children4 ,by ,i4 ,watts4 ,out of the ,mouth of ,babes and ,sucklings thou hast perfected ,praise4 ,matt4 xxi4 #af4 ,transcriber's ,note4 ,throughout1 modern numerals have been substituted for their ,roman equivalents4 ,in ,watts' dedication the original capitalisation1 italics and spelling are retained2 the aim thereby is to convey more accurately the flavour of the original4 ,,to ,mrs4 ,,sarah 7 ,mrs4 ,,mary and7 ,,abney1 ,mrs4 ,,elizabeth 7 ,daughters of ,sir ,,thomas ,,abney1 ,kt4 and ,alderman of ,london4 ,my ,dear ,young ,friends1 ,whom ,i am constrained to love and honour by many ,obligations4 ,it was the generous and condescending ,friendship of your ,parents under my weak ,circumstances of ,health1 that brought me to their ,country-,seat for the ,benefit of the ,air2 but it was an ,instance of most uncommon ,kindness1 to supply me there so chearfully for two ,years of ,sickness with the richest ,conveniences of ,life4 ,such a ,favour requires my most affectionate ,returns of ,service to themselves1 and to all that is dear to them2 and meer ,gratitude demands some solemn and publick ,acknowledgment4 ,but great ,minds have the true ,relish and ,pleasure of doing ,good1 and are content to be unknown4 ,it is such a silent ,satisfaction ,sir ,thomas ,abney enjoys in the unspeakable ,blessings of this ,year1 that brought our present ,king to the ,throne3 and he permits the ,world to forget that happy ,turn that was given to the ,affairs of the ,kingdom by his wise ,management in the ,highest ,office of the ,city1 whereby the ,settlement of the ,crown was so much strengthen'd in the ,illustrious ,family which now possesses it4 ,o may the ,crown flourish many ,years on the ,head of our ,soveraign1 and may his ,house possess it to the ,end of ,time1 to secure all ,religious and ,civil ,liberties to the ,posterity of those who have been so zealous to establish this ,succession6 ,the fair and lovely ,character your ,honoured ,father hath acquired by passing thro' all the chief ,offices of the ,city1 and leaving a ,lustre upon them1 seems imperfect in his own ,esteem1 without the ,addition of this ,title1 ,a ,succourer and a ,friend of the ,ministers of ,christ4 ,and in this part of his ,honour the ,lady your ,mother is resolved to have an unborrow'd ,share1 and becomes his daily ,rival4 ,it is to her unwearied ,tenderness1 and many kind ,offices by ,night and ,day1 in the more violent ,seasons of my ,indisposition1 that 7under ,god7 ,i own my ,life1 and ,power to write or think4 ,and while ,i remember those ,hours1 ,i can't forget the cheerful and ready ,attendance of her worthy ,sister1 her dear ,companion and ,assistant in every good ,work4 ,under the ,influence of two such ,examples ,i have also enjoy'd the ,pleasure and ,conveniency of your younger ,services1 according to the ,capacity of your ,years2 and that with such a ,degree of sincere and hearty ,zeal for my ,welfare1 that you are ready to vie with each other in the kind ,imployment1 and assist all you can toward my ,recovery and ,usefulness4 ,so that whoever shall reap benefit by any of my ,labours1 it is but a reasonable ,request1 that you share with me in their ,thanks and their ,prayers4 ,but this is a small ,part of your ,praise4 ,if it would not be suspected of ,flattery1 ,i could tell the ,world what an ,acquaintance with ,scripture1 what a ,knowledge of ,religion1 what a ,memory of ,divine things both in ,verse and ,prose is found among you2 and what a just and regular account is given of ,sermons at your ,age2 to awaken all the ,children that shall read these ,songs1 to furnish their memories and beautify their ,souls like yours4 ,the ,honour you have done me in learning by heart so large a number of the ,hymns ,i have publish'd1 perhaps has been of some use towards these greater ,improvements1 and gives me rich ,encouragement to offer you this little ,present4 ,since ,i have ventured to shew a ,part of your early ,character to the ,world1 ,i perswade my self you will remember1 that it must inlarge and brighten daily4 ,remember what the ,world will expect from the ,daughters of ,sir ,thomas ,abney's ,family1 under such an ,education1 such ,examples1 and after such fair and promising ,blossoms of ,piety and ,goodness4 ,remember what ,god himself will expect at your hands1 from whose ,grace you have received plentiful ,distributions in the ,beginning of your ,days4 ,may the ,blessings of his ,right ,hand more enrich you daily1 as your ,capacities and your ,years increase2 and may he add bountifully of the ,favours of his ,left ,hand1 ,riches and ,honour4 ,may his ,grace make you so large a ,return of all the ,kindness ,i have received in your ,family1 as may prevail above the fondest ,hopes of your ,parents1 and even exceed the warmest ,prayers of ,your most ,affectionate ,monitor and obliged ,servant in the daily ,views of a future ,world1 ,i4 ,,watts4 ,theobalds1 ,june #ah4 #agae4 ,,preface ,to all that are concerned in the ,education of ,children4 ,my ,friends1 ,it is an awful and important charge that is committed to you4 ,the wisdom and welfare of the succeeding generation are intrusted with you beforehand1 and depend much on your conduct4 ,the seeds of misery or happiness in this world1 and that to come1 are oftentimes sown very early1 and therefore whatever may conduce to give the minds of children a relish for vertue and religion1 ought in the first place to be proposed to you4 ,verse was at first design'd for the service of ,god1 tho' it hath been wretchedly abused since4 ,the ancients among the ,jews and the ,heathens taught their children and disciples the precepts of morality and worship in verse4 ,the children of ,israel were commanded to learn the words of the song of ,moses1 ,deut4 #ca4 #ai1cj4 ,and we are directed in the ,new ,testament1 not only to sing with grace in the heart1 but to teach and admonish one another by hymns and songs1 ,eph4 #e4 #ai4 and there are these four advantages in it3 #a4 ,there is a greater delight in the very learning of truths and duties this way4 ,there is something so amusing and entertaining in rhymes and metre1 that will incline children to make this part of their business a diversion4 ,and you may turn their very duty into a reward1 by giving them the privilege of learning one of these songs every week1 if they fulfil the business of the week well1 and promising them the book itself when they have learned ten or twenty songs out of it4 #b4 ,what is learnt in verse is longer retained in memory1 and sooner recollected4 ,the like sounds and the like number of syllables exceedingly assist the remembrance4 ,and it may often happen1 that the end of a song running in the mind may be an effectual means to keep off some temptation1 or to incline to some duty1 when a word of scripture is not upon the thoughts4 #c4 ,this will be a constant furniture for the minds of children1 that they may have something to think upon when alone1 and sing over to themselves4 ,this may sometimes give their thoughts a divine turn1 and raise a young meditation4 ,thus they will not be forced to seek relief for an emptiness of mind out of the loose and dangerous sonnets of the age4 #d4 ,these ,divine ,songs may be a pleasant and proper matter for their daily or weekly worship1 to sing one in the family at such time as the parents or governors shall appoint2 and therefore ,i have confin'd the verse to the most usual psalm tunes4 ,the greatest part of this little book was composed several years ago1 at the request of a friend1 who has been long engaged in the work of catechising a very great number of children of all kinds1 and with abundant skill and success4 ,so that you will find here nothing that savours of a party3 the children of high and low degree1 of the ,church of ,england or ,dissenters1 baptized in infancy or not1 may all join together in these songs4 ,and as ,i have endeavoured to sink the language to the level of a child's understanding1 and yet to keep it 7if possible7 above contempt2 so ,i have designed to profit all 7if possible7 and offend none4 ,i hope the more general the sense is1 these composures may be of the more universal use and service4 ,i have added at the end an attempt or two of ,sonnets on ,moral ,subjects for children1 with an air of pleasantry1 to provoke some fitter pen to write a little book of them4 ,my talent doth not lie that way1 and a man on the borders of the grave has other work4 ,besides1 if ,i had health or leisure to lay out this way1 it should be employ'd in finishing the ,psalms1 which ,i have so long promised the world4 ,may the ,almighty ,god make you faithful in this important work of education3 may he succeed your cares with his abundant graces1 that the rising generation of ,great ,britain may be a glory amongst the nations1 a pattern to the ,christian world1 and a blessing to the earth4 ,divine ,songs ,for ,children4 ,song #a4 ,a ,general ,song of ,praise to ,god4 #a ,how glorious is our ,heavenly ,king1 ,who reigns above the sky6 ,how shall a child presume to sing ,his dreadful majesty8 #b ,how great his power is none can tell1 ,nor think how large his grace2 ,not men below1 nor saints that dwell ,on high before his face4 #c ,not angels that stand round the ,lord ,can search his secret will2 ,but they perform his heavenly word1 ,and sing his praises still4 #d ,then let me join this holy train1 ,and my first offerings bring2 ,th' eternal ,god will not disdain ,to hear an infant sing4 #e ,my heart resolves1 my tongue obeys1 ,and angels shall rejoice ,to hear their mighty ,maker's praise ,sound from a feeble voice4 ,song #b4 ,praise for ,creation and ,providence4 #a ,i sing th' almighty power of ,god1 ,that made the mountains rise1 ,that spread the flowing seas abroad1 ,and built the lofty skies4 #b ,i sing the wisdom that ordain'd ,the sun to rule the day2 ,the moon shines full at his command1 ,and all the stars obey4 #c ,i sing the goodness of the ,lord1 ,that fill'd the earth with food2 ,he form'd the creatures with his ,word1 ,and then pronounced them good4 #d ,lord1 how thy wonders are display'd ,where'er ,i turn mine eye1 ,if ,i survey the ground ,i tread1 ,or gaze upon the sky4 #e ,there's not a plant or flower below ,but makes thy glories known2 ,and clouds arise and tempests blow ,by order from thy throne4 #f ,creatures 7as num'rous as they be7 ,are subject to thy care3 ,there's not a place where we can flee1 ,but ,god is present there4 #g ,in heaven he shines with beams of love1 ,with wrath in hell beneath3 ',tis on his earth ,i stand or move1 ,and 'tis his air ,i breathe4 #h ,his hand is my perpetual guard1 ,he keeps me with his eye3 ,why should ,i then forget the ,lord ,who is for ever nigh8 ,song #c4 ,praise to ,god for our ,redemption4 #a ,blest be the wisdom and the power1 ,the justice and the grace1 ,that join'd in council to restore ,and save our ruin'd race6 #b ,our father eat forbidden fruit1 ,and from his glory fell2 ,and we1 his children1 thus were brought ,to death1 and near to hell4 #c ,blest be the ,lord1 that sent his ,son ,to take our flesh and blood2 ,he for our lives gave up his own1 ,to make our peace with ,god4 #d ,he honour'd all his ,father's laws1 ,which we have disobey'd2 ,he bore our sins upon the cross1 ,and our full ransom paid4 #e ,behold him rising from the grave2 ,behold him rais'd on high3 ,he pleads his merits there to save ,transgressors doom'd to die4 #f ,there on a glorious throne1 he reigns1 ,and by his power divine ,redeems us from the slavish chains ,of ,satan1 and of sin4 #g ,thence shall the ,lord to judgment come1 ,and1 with a sovereign voice1 ,shall call1 and break up every tomb1 ,while waking saints rejoice4 #h ,o may ,i then with joy appear ,before the ,judge's face1 ,and1 with the blest assembly there1 ,sing his redeeming grace6 ,song #d4 ,praise for ,mercies ,spiritual and ,temporal4 #a ,whene'er ,i take my walks abroad1 ,how many poor ,i see8 ,what shall ,i render to my ,god ,for all his gifts to me8 #b ,not more than others ,i deserve1 ,yet ,god hath given me more2 ,for ,i have food1 while others starve1 ,or beg from door to door4 #c ,how many children in the street ,half naked ,i behold8 ,while ,i am clothed from head to feet1 ,and cover'd from the cold4 #d ,while some poor wretches scarce can tell ,where they may lay their head1 ,i have a home wherein to dwell1 ,and rest upon my bed4 #e ,while others early learn to swear1 ,and curse1 and lie1 and steal1 ,lord1 ,i am taught thy name to fear1 ,and do thy holy will4 #f ,are these thy favours1 day by day ,to me above the rest8 ,then let me love thee more than they1 ,and try to serve thee best4 ,song #e4 ,praise for ,birth and ,education in a ,christian ,land4 #a ,great ,god1 to thee my voice ,i raise1 ,to thee my youngest hours belong2 ,i would begin my life with praise1 ,till growing years improve the song4 #b ',tis to thy soveraign grace ,i owe1 ,that ,i was born on ,brittish ground1 ,where streams of heavenly mercy flow1 ,and words of sweet salvation sound4 #c ,i would not change my native land ,for rich ,peru1 with all her gold3 ,a nobler prize lies in my hand ,than ,east or ,western ,indies hold4 #d ,how do ,i pity those that dwell ,where ignorance and darkness reigns2 ,they know no heav'n1 they fear no hell1 ,those endless joys1 those endless pains4 #e ,thy glorious promises1 ,o ,lord1 ,kindle my hope and my desire2 ,while all the preachers of thy word ,warn me t' escape eternal fire4 #f ,thy praise shall still employ my breath1 ,since thou hast mark'd my way to heaven2 ,nor will ,i run the road to death1 ,and wast the blessings thou hast given4 ,song #f4 ,praise for the ,gospel4 #a ,lord1 ,i ascribe it to thy grace1 ,and not to chance as others do1 ,that ,i was born of ,christian race1 ,and not a ,heathen1 or a ,jew4 #b ,what would the ancient ,jewish kings1 ,and ,jewish prophets once have given1 ,could they have heard these glorious things1 ,which ,christ reveal'd1 and brought from heav'n6 #c ,how glad the ,heathens would have been1 ,that worship idols1 wood1 and stone1 ,if they the book of ,god had seen1 ,or ,jesus and his gospel known6 #d ,then if the ,gospel ,i refuse1 ,how shall ,i e'er lift up mine eyes8 ,for all the ,gentiles and the ,jews ,against me will in judgment rise4 ,song #g4 ,the ,excellency of the ,bible4 #a ,great ,god1 with wonder and with praise1 ,on all thy works ,i look2 ,but still thy wisdom1 power and grace ,shine brighter in thy ,book4 #b ,the stars that in their courses roll1 ,have much instruction given2 ,but thy good ,word informs my soul ,how ,i may climb to heaven4 #c ,the fields provide me food1 and show ,the goodness of the ,lord2 ,but fruits of life and glory grow ,in thy most holy ,word4 #d ,here are my choicest treasures hid1 ,here my best comfort lies2 ,here my desires are satisfy'd2 ,and hence my hopes arise4 #e ,lord1 make me understand thy law1 ,show what my faults have been2 ,and from thy ,gospel let me draw ,pardon for all my sin4 #f ,here would ,i learn how ,christ has dy'd ,to save my soul from hell3 ,not all the books on earth beside ,such heav'nly wonders tell4 #g ,then let me love my ,bible more1 ,and take a fresh delight ,by day to read these wonders o'er1 ,and meditate by night4 ,song #h4 ,praise to ,god for learning to read4 #a ,the praises of my tongue ,i offer to the ,lord1 ,that ,i was taught1 and learnt so young ,to read his holy ,word4 #b ,that ,i am taught to know ,the danger ,i was in1 ,by nature and by practice too ,a wretched slave to sin4 #c ,that ,i am led to see ,i can do nothing well2 ,and whither shall a sinner flee1 ,to save himself from hell8 #d ,dear ,lord1 this book of thine ,informs me where to go ,for grace to pardon all my sin1 ,and make me holy too4 #e ,here ,i can read and learn ,how ,christ the ,son of ,god ,did undertake our great concern1 ,our ransom cost his blood4 #f ,and now he reigns above1 ,he sends his ,spirit down1 ,to show the wonders of his love1 ,and make his ,gospel known4 #g ,o may that ,spirit teach1 ,and make my heart receive ,those truths which all thy servants preach1 ,and all thy saints believe6 #h ,then shall ,i praise the ,lord ,in a more chearful strain1 ,that ,i was taught to read his ,word1 ,and have not learnt in vain4 ,song #i4 ,the ,all-,seeing ,god4 #a ,almighty ,god1 thy piercing eye ,strikes through the shades of night1 ,and our most secret actions lie ,all open to thy sight4 #b ,there's not a sin that we commit1 ,nor wicked word we say1 ,but in thy dreadful book tis writ ,against the judgment-day4 #c ,and must the crimes that ,i have done ,be read and publish'd there1 ,be all exposed before the sun1 ,while men and angels hear8 #d ,lord1 at thy feet ashamed ,i lie1 ,upward ,i dare not look2 ,pardon my sins before ,i die1 ,and blot them from thy book4 #e ,remember all the dying pains ,that my ,redeemer felt1 ,and let his blood wash out my stains1 ,and answer for my guilt4 #f ,o may ,i now for ever fear ,t' indulge a sinful thought1 ,since the great ,god can see1 and hear1 ,and writes down every fault6 ,song #aj4 ,solemn ,thoughts of ,god and ,death4 #a ,there is a ,god that reigns above1 ,lord of the heavens1 and earth1 and seas3 ,i fear his wrath1 ,i ask his love1 ,and with my lips ,i sing his praise4 #b ,there is a law which he has writ1 ,to teach us all what we must do2 ,my soul1 to his commands submit1 ,for they are holy1 just and true4 #c ,there is a ,gospel of rich grace1 ,whence sinners all their comfort draw2 ,lord1 ,i repent1 and seek thy face2 ,for ,i have often broke thy law4 #d ,there is an hour when ,i must die1 ,nor do ,i know how soon twill come2 ,a thousand children young as ,i ,are call'd by death to hear their doom4 #e ,let me improve the hours ,i have ,before the day of grace is fled2 ,there's no repentance in the grave1 ,no pardons offer'd to the dead4 #f ,just as a tree cut down1 that fell ,to north1 or southward1 there it lies3 ,so man departs to heaven or hell1 ,fix'd in the state wherein he dies4 ,song #aa4 ,heaven and ,hell4 #a ,there is beyond the sky ,a heaven of joy and love1 ,and holy children1 when they die1 ,go to that world above4 #b ,there is a dreadful hell1 ,and everlasting pains1 ,there sinners must with devils dwell ,in darkness1 fire1 and chains4 #c ,can such a wretch as ,i ,escape this cursed end8 ,and may ,i hope1 whene'er ,i die1 ,i shall to heaven ascend8 #d ,then will ,i read and pray ,while ,i have life and breath2 ,lest ,i should be cut off to day1 ,and sent t' eternal death4 ,song #ab4 ,the ,advantages of early ,religion4 #a ,happy's the child whose youngest years ,receive instruction well2 ,who hates the sinner's path1 and fears ,the road that leads to hell4 #b ,when we devote our youth to ,god1 ',tis pleasing in his eyes2 ,a flower1 when offer'd in the bud1 ,is no vain sacrifice4 #c ',tis easier work if we begin ,to fear the ,lord betimes2 ,while sinners that grow old in sin ,are hard'ned in their crimes4 #d ',twill save us from a thousand snares ,to mind religion young2 ,grace will preserve our following years ,and make our vertue strong4 #e ,to thee1 ,almighty ,god1 to thee ,our childhood we resign2 ',twill please us to look back and see ,that our whole lives were thine4 #f ,let the sweet work of prayer and praise1 ,employ my youngest breath2 ,thus ,i'm prepar'd for longer days1 ,or fit for early death4 ,song #ac4 ,the ,danger of ,delay4 #a ,why should ,i say1 ,tis yet too soon ,to seek for heaven or think of death8 ,a flower may fade before tis noon1 ,and ,i this day may lose my breath4 #b ,if this rebellious heart of mine1 ,despise the gracious calls of ,heaven2 ,i may be hard'ned in my sin1 ,and never have repentance given4 #c ,what if the ,lord grow wroth1 and swear ,while ,i refuse to read and pray1 ,that he'll refuse to lend an ear1 ,to all my groans another day8 #d ,what if his dreadful anger burn1 ,while ,i refuse his offer'd grace1 ,and all his love to fury turn1 ,and strike me dead upon the place8 #e ',tis dangerous to provoke a ,god2 ,his power and vengeance none can tell3 ,one stroke of his almighty rod ,shall send young sinners quick to hell4 #f ,then twill for ever be in vain ,to cry for pardon or for grace1 ,to wish ,i had my time again1 ,or hope to see my ,maker's face4 ,song #ad4 ,examples of early piety4 #a ,what blest examples do ,i find ,writ in the ,word of ,truth1 ,of children that began to mind ,religion in their youth4 #b ,jesus1 who reigns above the skie1 ,and keeps the world in awe2 ,was once a child as young as ,i1 ,and kept his ,father's law4 #c ,at twelve years old he talk'd with men1 7,the ,jews all wondering stand27 ,yet he obey'd his ,mother then1 ,and came at her command4 #d ,children a sweet hosanna sung1 ,and blest their ,saviour's name2 ,they gave him honour with their tongue ,while scribes and priests blaspheme4 #e ,samuel the child was wean'd1 and brought ,to wait upon the ,lord2 ,young ,timothy betimes was taught ,to know his holy ,word4 #f ,then why should ,i so long delay ,what others learn so soon8 ,i would not pass another day ,without this work begun4 ,song #ae4 ,against ,lying4 #a ,o tis a lovely thing for youth ,to walk betimes in wisdom's way2 ,to fear a lye1 to speak the truth1 ,that we may trust to all they say4 #b ,but lyars we can never trust1 ,though they should speak the thing that's true1 ,and he that does one fault at first1 ,and lyes to hide it1 makes it two4 #c ,have we not known1 nor heard1 nor read1 ,how ,god abhors deceit and wrong8 ,how ,ananias was struck dead ,catch'd with a lye upon his tongue8 #d ,so did his wife ,sapphira die ,when she came in1 and grew so bold ,as to confirm that wicked lye ,that just before her husband told4 #e ,the ,lord delights in them that speak ,the words of truth2 but every lyar ,must have his portion in the lake ,that burns with brimstone and with fire4 #f ,then let me always watch my lips1 ,lest ,i be struck to death and hell1 ,since ,god a book of reckoning keeps ,for every lye that children tell4 ,song #af4 ,against ,quarrelling and ,fighting4 #a ,let dogs delight to bark and bite1 ,for ,god has made them so2 ,let bears and lyons growl and fight1 ,for tis their nature too4 #b ,but1 children1 you should never let ,such angry passions rise2 ,your little hands were never made ,to tear each other's eyes4 #c ,let love thro' all your actions run1 ,and all your words be mild2 ,live like the blessed ,virgin's ,son1 ,that sweet and lovely child4 #d ,his soul was gentle as a lamb2 ,and as his stature grew1 ,he grew in favour both with man ,and ,god his ,father too4 #e ,now1 ,lord of all1 he reigns above1 ,and from his heavenly throne1 ,he sees what children dwell in love1 ,and marks them for his own4 ,song #ag4 ,love between ,brothers and ,sisters4 #a ,what ever brawls are in the street ,there should be peace at home2 ,where sisters dwell and brothers meet ,quarrels shou'd never come4 #b ,birds in their little nests agree2 ,and tis a shameful sight1 ,when children of one family ,fall out1 and chide1 and fight4 #c ,hard names at first1 and threatening words1 ,that are but noisy breath1 ,may grow to clubs and naked swords1 ,to murder and to death4 #d ,the devil tempts one mother's son ,to rage against another3 ,so wicked ,cain was hurried on1 ,till he had kill'd his brother4 #e ,the wise will make their anger cool ,at least before tis night2 ,but in the bosom of a fool ,it burns till morning light4 #e ,pardon1 ,o ,lord1 our childish rage2 ,our little brawls remove2 ,that as we grow to riper age1 ,our hearts may all be love4 ,song #ah4 ,against ,scoffing and calling ,names4 #a ,our tongues were made to bless the ,lord1 ,and not speak ill of men3 ,when others give a railing word1 ,we must not rail again4 #b ,cross words and angry names require ,to be chastiz'd at school2 ,and he's in danger of hell-fire1 ,that calls his brother1 fool4 #c ,but lips that dare be so prophane ,to mock and jeer and scoff ,at holy things1 or holy men1 ,the ,lord shall cut them off4 #d ,when children1 in their wanton play ,served old ,elisha so1 ,and bade the prophet go his way1 ,go up1 thou bald head1 go4 #e ,god quickly stopt their wicked breath1 ,and sent two raging bears1 ,that tore them limb from limb to death1 ,with blood and groans and tears4 #f ,great ,god1 how terrible art thou ,to sinners ne'er so young6 ,grant me thy grace and teach me how ,to tame and rule my tongue4 ,song #ai4 ,against ,swearing and ,cursing1 and taking ,god's ,name in vain4 #a ,angels that high in glory dwell ,adore thy ,name1 ,almighty ,god6 ,and devils tremble down in hell ,beneath the terrors of thy rod4 #b ,and yet how wicked children dare ,abuse thy dreadful glorious ,name6 ,and when they're angry1 how they swear1 ,and curse their fellows1 and blaspheme6 #c ,how will they stand before thy face1 ,who treated thee with such disdain1 ,while thou shalt doom them to the place ,of everlasting fire and pain8 #d ,then never shall one cooling drop ,to quench their burning tongues be giv'n4 ,but ,i will praise thee here1 and hope ,thus to employ my tongue in heav'n4 #e ,my heart shall be in pain to hear ,wretches affront the ,lord above2 ',tis that great ,god whose power ,i fear1 ,that heavenly ,father whom ,i love4 #f ,if my companions grow profane1 ,i'll leave their friendship when ,i hear ,young sinners take thy name in vain1 ,and learn to curse1 and learn to swear4 ,song #bj4 ,against ,idleness and ,mischief4 #a ,how doth the little busy bee ,improve each shining hour1 ,and gather honey all the day ,from every opening flower6 #b ,how skilfully she builds her cell6 ,how neat she spreads the wax6 ,and labours hard to store it well ,with the sweet food she makes4 #c ,in works of labour or of skill ,i would be busy too3 ,for ,satan finds some mischief still ,for idle hands to do4 #d ,in books1 or work1 or healthful play ,let my first years be past1 ,that ,i may give for every day ,some good account at last4 ,song #ba4 ,against evil ,company4 #a ,why should ,i join with those in play ,in whom ,i've no delight2 ,who curse and swear1 but never play2 ,who call ill names1 and fight8 #b ,i hate to hear a wanton song3 ,their words offend my ears3 ,i should not dare defile my tongue ,with language such as theirs4 #c ,away from fools ,i'll turn my eyes1 ,nor with the scoffers go3 ,i would be walking with the wise1 ,that wiser ,i may grow4 #d ,from one rude boy1 that's used to mock1 ,they learn the wicked jest3 ,one sickly sheep infects the flock1 ,and poisons all the rest4 #e ,my ,god1 ,i hate to walk or dwell ,with sinful children here3 ,then let me not be sent to hell1 ,where none but sinners are4 ,song #bb4 ,against ,pride in ,clothes4 #a ,why should our garments1 made to hide ,our parents' shame1 provoke our pride8 ,the art of dress did ne'er begin ,till ,eve our mother learnt to sin4 #b ,when first she put the covering on1 ,her robe of innocence was gone2 ,and yet her children vainly boast ,in the sad marks of glory lost4 #c ,how proud we are6 how fond to shew ,our clothes1 and call them rich and new1 ,when the poor sheep and silkworms wore ,that very clothing long before6 #d ,the tulip and the butterfly ,appear in gayer coats than ,i3 ,let me be dress'd fine as ,i will1 ,flies1 worms1 and flowers exceed me still4 #e ,then will ,i set my heart to find ,inward adornings of the mind3 ,knowledge and virtue1 truth and grace1 ,these are the robes of richest dress4 #f ,no more shall worms with me compare1 ,this is the raiment angels wear3 ,the ,son of ,god1 when here below1 ,put on this blest apparel too4 #f ,it never fades1 it ne'er grows old1 ,nor fears the rain1 nor moth1 nor mould3 ,it takes no spot1 but still refines2 ,the more tis worn1 the more it shines4 #g ,in this on earth would ,i appear1 ,then go to heaven1 and wear it there3 ,god will approve it in his sight2 ',tis his own work1 and his delight4 ,song #bc4 ,obedience to ,parents4 #a ,let children that would fear the ,lord ,hear what their teachers say2 ,with reverence meet their parents' word1 ,and with delight obey4 #b ,have you not heard what dreadful plagues ,are threaten'd by the ,lord1 ,to him that breaks his father's law1 ,or mocks his mother's word8 #c ,what heavy guilt upon him lies6 ,how cursed is his name6 ,the ravens shall pick out his eyes1 ,and eagles eat the same4 #d ,but those who worship ,god1 and give ,their parents honour due1 ,here on this earth they long shall live1 ,and live hereafter1 too4 ,song #bd4 ,the ,child's ,complaint4 #a ,why should ,i love my sports so well1 ,so constant at my play1 ,and lose the thoughts of heaven and hell1 ,and then forget to pray8 #b ,what do ,i read my ,bible for1 ,but1 ,lord1 to learn thy will8 ,and shall ,i daily know thee more1 ,and less obey thee still8 #c ,how senseless is my heart1 and wild6 ,how vain are all my thoughts6 ,pity the weakness of a child1 ,and pardon all my faults4 #d ,make me thy heavenly voice to hear1 ,and let me love to pray2 ,since ,god will lend a gracious ear ,to what a child can say4 ,song #be4 ,a ,morning ,song4 #a ,my ,god1 who makes the sun to know ,his proper hour to rise2 ,and1 to give light to all below1 ,doth send him round the skies3 #b ,when from the chambers of the east ,his morning race begins1 ,he never tires1 nor stops to rest1 ,but round the world he shines4 #c ,so1 like the sun1 would ,i fulfil ,the business of the day2 ,begin my work betimes1 and still ,march on my heavenly way4 #d ,give me1 ,o ,lord1 thy early grace1 ,nor let my soul complain ,that the young morning of my day ,has all been spent in vain6 ,song #bf4 ,an ,evening ,song4 #a ,and now another day is gone1 ,i'll sing my ,maker's praise6 ,my comforts every hour make known ,his providence and grace4 #b ,but how my childhood runs to waste ,my sins how great their sum6 ,lord1 give me pardon for the past1 ,and strength for days to come4 #c ,i lay my body down to sleep1 ,let angels guard my head2 ,and1 through the hours of darkness1 keep ,their watch around my head4 #d ,with cheerful heart ,i close mine eyes1 ,since thou wilt not remove2 ,and in the morning let me rise ,rejoicing in thy love4 ,song #bg4 ,for the ,lord's ,day ,morning4 #a ,this is the day when ,christ arose ,so early from the dead3 ,why should ,i my eyelids close1 ,and waste my hours in bed8 #b ,this is the day when ,jesus broke ,the powers of death and hell2 ,and shall ,i still wear ,satan's yoke1 ,and love my sins so well8 #c ,to-day1 with pleasure1 ,christians meet1 ,to pray1 and hear thy ,word2 ,and ,i would go with cheerful feet ,to learn thy will1 ,o ,lord6 #d ,i'll leave my sport1 to read and pray1 ,and so prepare for heaven3 ,o may ,i love this blessed day ,the best of all the seven6 ,song #bh4 ,for ,lord's ,day ,evening4 #a ,lord1 how delightful tis to see ,a whole assembly worship thee6 ,at once they sing1 at once they pray2 ,they hear of heaven1 and learn the way4 #b ,i have been there1 and still would go ',tis like a little heaven below6 ,not all my pleasure and my play ,should tempt me to forget this day4 #c ,o write upon my memory1 ,lord1 ,the text and doctrines of thy ,word1 ,that ,i may break thy laws no more1 ,but love thee better than before6 #d ,with thoughts of ,christ and things divine ,fill up this foolish heart of mine3 ,that1 hoping pardon through his blood1 ,i may lie down1 and wake with ,god4 ,the ,,ten ,,commandments out of the ,old ,testament put into short ,rhime for ,children4 ,exod4 #bj4 #a4 ,thou shalt have no more ,gods but me4 #b4 ,before no idol bow thy knee4 #c4 ,take not the ,name of ,god in vain3 #d4 ,nor dare the ,sabbath ,day profane4 #e4 ,give both thy parents honour due4 #f4 ,take heed that thou no murder do4 #g4 ,abstain from words and deeds unclean3 #h4 ,nor steal1 though thou art poor and mean4 #i4 ,nor make a wilful lie1 nor love it4 #aj4 ,what is thy neighbour's1 dare not covet4 ,the ,sum of the ,commandments out of the ,new ,testament4 ,matt4 #bb4 #cg4 ,with all thy ,soul love ,god above2 ,and as thyself thy ,neighbour love4 ,our ,saviour's ,golden ,rule4 ,matt4 #g4 #ab4 ,be you to others ,kind and ,true1 ,as you'd have others be to you4 ,and neither do nor say to ,men ,whate'er you would not take again4 ,duty to ,god and our neighbour4 ,love ,god with all your ,soul and ,strength4 ,with all your ,heart and ,mind2 ,and love your ,neighbour as your self3 ,be faithful1 just1 and kind4 ,deal with another as you'd have ,another deal with you4 ,what you're unwilling to receive1 ,be sure you never do4 ,out of my ,book of ,hymns1 ,i have here added1 the ,hosanna and ,glory to the ,father1 c4 to be sung at the end of any of these ,songs1 according to the ,direction of ,parents or ,governors4 ,the ,hosanna2 or ,salvation ascribed to ,christ4 ,long ,metre4 #a ,hosanna to king ,david's ,son1 ,who reigns on a superior ,throne2 ,we bless the ,prince of ,heav'nly ,birth1 ,who brings ,salvation down to ,earth4 #b ,let every nation1 every age1 ,in this delightful work engage2 ,old ,men and ,babes in ,sion sing ,the growing glories of her ,king6 ,common ,metre4 #a ,hosanna to the ,prince of ,grace2 ,sion behold thy ,king2 ,proclaim the ,son of ,david's ,race1 ,and teach the ,babes to sing4 #b ,hosanna to th' ,eternal ,word1 ,who from the ,father came2 ,ascribe ,salvation to the ,lord1 ,with ,blessings on his ,name6 ,short ,metre4 #a ,hosanna to the ,son ,of ,david and of ,god1 ,who brought the ,news of ,pardon down1 ,and bought it with his ,blood4 #b ,to ,christ1 th' anointed ,king1 ,be endless blessings giv'n1 ,let the whole ,earth his ,glory sing ,who made our ,peace with ,heav'n4 ,glory to the ,father and the ,son1 c4 ,long ,metre4 ,to ,god the ,father1 ,god the ,son1 ,and ,god the ,spirit1 ,three in ,one1 ,be ,honour1 ,praise1 and ,glory giv'n1 ,by all on ,earth1 and all in ,heav'n4 ,common ,metre4 ,now let the ,father and the ,son1 ,and ,spirit be ador'd1 ,where there are works to make him known1 ,or saints to love the ,lord4 ,short ,metre4 ,give to the ,father ,praise1 ,give ,glory to the ,son1 ,and to the ,spirit of his ,grace ,be equal ,honour done4 ,a ,slight ,,specimen of ,,moral ,,songs1 ,such as ,i wish some happy and condescending ,genius would undertake for the use of ,children1 and perform much better4 ,the sense and subjects might be borrow'd plentifully from the ,proverbs of ,solomon1 from all the common appearances of nature1 from all the occurrences in the civil life1 both in city and country3 7which would also afford matter for other divine songs74 ,here the language and measures should be easy and flowing with cheerfulness1 and without the solemnities of religion1 or the sacred names of ,god and holy things2 that children might find delight and profit together4 ,this would be one effectual way to deliver them from the temptation of loving and learning those idle1 wanton or profane songs1 which give so early an ill taint to the fancy and memory1 and become the seeds of future vices4 ,the ,sluggard4 #a ',tis the voice of the ,sluggard4 ,i heard him complain ,you have waked me too soon6 ,i must slumber again6 ,as the door on its hinges1 so he on his bed1 ,turns his sides1 and his shoulders1 and his heavy head4 #b ,a little more sleep1 and a little more slumber2 ,thus he wastes half his days1 and his hours without number3 ,and when he gets up1 he sits folding his hands ,or walks about sauntering1 or trifling he stands4 #c ,i past by his garden1 and saw the wild bryar ,the thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher3 ,the clothes that hang on him are turning to rags2 ,and his money still wasts1 still he starves1 or he begs4 #d ,i made him a visit1 still hoping to find ,he had took better care for improving his mind3 ,he told me his dreams1 talk'd of eating and drinking1 ,but he scarce reads his ,bible1 and never loves thinking4 #e ,said ,i then to my heart1 ,here's a lesson for me1 ,that man's but a picture of what ,i might be3 ,but thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding3 ,who taught me betimes to love working and reading6 ,innocent ,play4 #a ,abroad in the meadows to see the young lambs1 ,run sporting about by the side of their dams ,with fleeces so clean1 and so white2 ,or a nest of young doves in a large open cage1 ,when they play all in love without anger or rage1 ,how much may we learn from the sight6 #b ,if we had been ducks1 we might dabble in mud3 ,or dogs1 we might play till it ended in blood2 ,so foul1 or so fierce are their natures4 ,but ,thomas and ,william1 and such pretty names1 ,should be cleanly and harmless as doves1 or as lambs1 ,those lovely sweet innocent creatures4 #c ,not a thing that we do1 nor a word that we say1 ,should injure another in jesting or play2 ,for he's still in earnest that's hurt4 ,how rude are the boys that throw pebbles and mire6 ,there's none but a mad-man will fling about fire1 ,and tell you1 ,tis all but in sport4 ,the ,end4 ,the ,,table4 #a4 ,a ,general ,song of ,praise to ,god4 #b4 ,praise for ,creation and ,providence4 #c4 ,praise to ,god for our ,redemption4 #d4 ,praise for mercies ,spiritual and ,temporal4 #e4 ,praise for ,birth and ,education in a ,christian ,land4 #f4 ,praise for the ,gospel4 #g4 ,the ,excellency of the ,bible4 #h4 ,praise to ,god for learning to read4 #i4 ,the ,all-seeing ,god4 #aj4 ,solemn ,thoughts of ,god and ,death4 #aa4 ,heaven and ,hell4 #ab4 ,the ,advantages of early ,religion4 #ac4 ,the ,danger of ,delays4 #ad4 ,examples of early ,piety4 #ae4 ,against lying4 #af4 ,against ,quarrelling and ,fighting4 #ag4 ,love between ,brothers and ,sisters4 #ah4 ,against scoffing and calling ,names4 #ai4 ,against swearing and cursing1 and taking ,god's ,name in vain4 #bj4 ,against ,idleness and ,mischief4 #ba4 ,against ,evil ,company4 #bb4 ,against ,pride in ,clothes4 #bc4 ,obedience to ,parents4 #bd4 ,the ,child's ,complaint4 #be4 ,a ,morning ,song4 #bf4 ,an ,evening ,song4 #bg4 ,an ,hymn for the ,lord's ,day ,morning4 #bh4 ,an ,hymn for the ,lord's ,day ,evening4 ,the ,ten ,commandments4 ,the ,sum of the ,commandments4 ,our ,saviour's ,golden ,rule4 ,duty to ,god and our ,neighbour4 ,the ,hosanna in ,long ,metre4 in ,common ,metre4 in ,short ,metre4 ,glory to the ,father in ,long ,metre4 in ,common ,metre4 in ,short ,metre4 ,a slight ,specimen of ,moral ,songs1 viz4 ,the ,sluggard4 ,innocent ,play4 ,the ,end of the ,table4 ,,addendum to the ,moral ,songs4 ,transcriber's ,note4 ,in the #agae edition1 for the reasons explained by ,watts in his ,preface1 there are only two moral songs1 namely ,the ,sluggard and ,innocent ,play4 ,those added later are included in this ,addendum4 ,the texts are from an #ahff printing in ,new ,york1 posted into the public domain by the ,christian ,classics ,ethereal ,library 7,,ccel7 at http3_/_/www4ccel4org_/ccel_/watts_/divs ongs4html ,song #c4 ,the ,rose4 #ab1h1ab1h ,how fair is the ,rose6 what a beautiful flower6 ,the glory of ,april and ,may3 ,but the leaves are beginning to fade in an hour1 ,and they wither and die in a day4 ,yet the ,rose has one powerful virtue to boast1 ,above all the flowers of the field6 ,when its leaves are all dead and fine colours are lost1 ,still how sweet a perfume it will yield6 ,so frail is the youth and the beauty of man1 ,though they bloom and look gay like the ,rose2 ,but all our fond care to preserve them is vain1 ,time kills them as fast as he goes4 ,then ,i'll not be proud of my youth and my beauty1 ,since both of them wither and fade2 ,but gain a good name by well doing my duty3 ,this will scent like a ,rose when ,i'm dead4 ,song #d4 ,the thief #h1g1h1g ,why should ,i deprive my neighbour ,of his goods against his will8 ,hands were made for honest labour1 ,not to plunder1 or to steal4 ',tis a foolish self-deceiving ,by such tricks to hope for gain3 ,all that's ever got by thieving ,turns to sorrow1 shame1 and pain4 ,have not ,eve and ,adam taught us ,their sad profit to compute1 ,to what dismal state they brought us ,when they stole forbidden fruit8 ,oft we see a young beginner ,practice little pilfering ways1 ,till grown up a harden'd sinner1 ,then the gallows ends his days4 ,theft will not be always hidden1 ,though we fancy none can spy3 ,when we take a thing forbidden1 ,god beholds it with his eye4 ,guard my heart1 ,o ,god of heaven1 ,lest ,i covet what's not mine2 ,lest ,i steal what is not given1 ,guard my heart and hands from sin4 ,song #e4 ,the ant1 or emmet4 #aa1aa1h1aa1aa1h ,these ,emmets1 how little they are in our eyes6 ,we tread them to dust1 and a troop of them dies1 ,without our regard or concern3 ,yet1 as wise as we are1 if we went to their school1 ,there's many a sluggard and many a fool ,some lessons of wisdom might learn4 ,they wear not their time out in sleeping or play1 ,but gather up corn in a sunshiny day1 ,and for winter they lay up their stores3 ,they manage their work in such regular forms1 ,one would think they foresaw all the frosts and the storms1 ,and so brought their food withindoors4 ,but ,i have less sense than a poor creeping ,ant1 ,if ,i take not due care for the things ,i shall want1 ,nor provide against dangers in time2 ,when death or old age shall once stare in my face1 ,what a wretch shall ,i be in the end of my days1 ,if ,i trifle away all their prime6 ,now1 now1 while my strength and my youth are in bloom1 ,let me think what shall serve me when sickness shall come1 ,and pray that my sins be forgiven4 ,let me read in good books1 and believe1 and obey2 ,that1 when death turns me out of this cottage of clay1 ,i may dwell in a palace in heaven4 ,song #f4 ,good resolutions4 #g1h1g1h ,though ,i'm now in younger days1 ,nor can tell what shall befall me1 ,i'll prepare for every place ,where my growing age shall call me4 ,should ,i e'er be rich or great1 ,others shall partake my goodness3 ,i'll supply the poor with meat1 ,never showing scorn or rudeness4 ,where ,i see the blind or lame1 ,deaf or dumb1 ,i'll kindly treat them3 ,i deserve to feel the same1 ,if ,i mock1 or hurt1 or cheat them4 ,if ,i meet with railing tongues1 ,why should ,i return them railing1 ,since ,i best revenge my wrongs ,by my patience never failing8 ,when ,i hear them telling lies1 ,talking foolish1 cursing1 swearing1 ,first ,i'll try to make them wise1 ,or ,i'll soon go out of hearing4 ,what though ,i be low or mean1 ,i'll engage the rich to love me1 ,while ,i'm modest1 neat1 and clean1 ,and submit when they reprove me4 ,if ,i should be poor and sick1 ,i shall meet1 ,i hope1 with pity2 ,since ,i love to help the weak1 ,though they're neither fair nor witty4 ,i'll not willingly offend1 ,nor be easily offended3 ,what's amiss ,i'll strive to mend1 ,and endure what can't be mended4 ,may ,i be so watchful still ,o'er my humours and my passion1 ,as to speak and do no ill1 ,though it should be all the fashion4 ,wicked fashions lead to hell2 ,ne'er may ,i be found complying2 ,but in life behave so well1 ,not to be afraid of dying4 ,song #g4 ,summer's evening4 #aa1aa1aa1i ,how fine has the day been6 how bright was the sun6 ,how lovely and joyful the course that he run2 ,though he rose in a mist when his race he begun1 ,and there followed some droppings of rain3 ,but now the fair traveller's come to the west1 ,his rays are all gold1 and his beauties are best2 ,he paints the skies gay as he sinks to his rest1 ,and foretells a bright rising again4 ,just such is the ,christian4 ,his course he begins ,like the sun in a mist1 while he mourns for his sins1 ,and melts into tears6 then he breaks out and shines1 ,and travels his heavenly way3 ,but when he comes nearer to finish his race1 ,like a fine setting sun1 he looks richer in grace2 ,and gives a sure hope1 at the end of his days1 ,of rising in brighter array4 ,song #h4 ,cradle hymn4 #h1g1h1g ,hush1 my dear6 ,lie still1 and slumber6 ,holy angels guard thy bed6 ,heavenly blessings1 without number1 ,gently falling on thy head4 ,sleep1 my babe6 thy food and raiment1 ,house and home1 thy friends provide2 ,all without thy care or payment1 ,all thy wants are well supplied4 ,how much better thou'rt attended ,than the ,son of ,god could be1 ,when from heaven he descended1 ,and became a child like thee6 ,soft and easy is thy cradle3 ,coarse and hard thy ,saviour lay1 ,when his birthplace was a stable1 ,and his softest bed was hay4 ,blessed ,babe6 what glorious features1-- ,spotless fair1 divinely bright6 ,must he dwell with brutal creatures8 ,how could angels bear the sight8 ,was there nothing but a manger ,cursed sinners could afford1 ,to receive the heavenly stranger8 ,did they thus affront the ,lord8 ,soft1 my child6 ,i did not chide thee1 ,though my song might sound too hard3 ',tis thy mother sits beside thee1 ,and her arm shall be thy guard4 ,yet to read the shameful story4 ,how the ,jews received their ,king1 ,how they served the ,lord of ,glory1 ,makes me angry while ,i sing4 ,see the kinder shepherds round him1 ,telling wonders from the sky6 ,where hey sought him1 there they found him1 ,with his ,virgin-mother by4 ,see the lovely ,babe a-dressing3 ,lovely infant1 how he smiled6 ,when he wept1 his mother's blessing ,sooth'd and hush'd the holy ,child4 ,lo1 he slumbers in a manger1 ,where the horned oxen fed6-- ,peace1 my darling1 here's no danger3 ,there's no ox a-near thy bed4 ',twas so save thee1 child1 from dying1 ,save my dear from burning flame1 ,bitter groans and endless crying1 ,that thy blest ,redeemer came4 ,may'st thou live to know and fear him1 ,trust and love him all thy days1 ,then go dwell for ever near him3 ,see his face1 and sing his praise6 ,i could give thee thousand kisses6 ,hoping what ,i most desire1 ,not a mother's fondest wishes ,can to greater joys aspire6