Children, to your Creator, God

Verse 1

Children to your creator God, Your early honors pay, While vanity and youthful blood Would tempt your thoughts astray.

Verse 2

The memory of his mighty name, Demands your first regard; Nor dare indulge a meaner flame, 'Till you have lov'd the Lord.

Verse 3

Be wise, and make his favour sure, Before the mournful days, When youth and mirth are known no more, And life and strength decays.

Verse 4

No more the blessings of a feast Shall relish on the tongue. The heavy ear forgets the taste And pleasure of a song.

Verse 5

Old age with all her dismal train, Invades your golden years With sighs and groans, and raging pain, And death that never spares.

Verse 6

What will you do when light departs, And leaves your withering eyes, Without one beam to chear your hearts, From the superior skies?

Verse 7

How will you meet God's frowning brow, Or stand before his seat, While nature's old supporters bow, Nor bear their tott'ring weight?

Verse 8

Can you expect your feeble arms Shall make a strong defence, When death with terrible alarms, Summons the pris'ner hence?

Verse 9

The silver bands of nature burst; And let the building fall; The flesh goes down to mix with dust, Its vile original.

Verse 10

Laden with guilt, (a heavy load) Uncleans'd and unforgiv'n, The soul returns t' an angry God, To be shut out from heav'n.