CXXXVI. Gravity and decency

1 Behold the sons, the heirs of God,
So dearly bought with Jesu's blood!
Are they not born to heav'nly joys,
And shall they stoop to earthly toys?

2 Can laughter feed th' immortal mind?
Were spirits of celestial kind
Made for a jest, for sport and play,
To wear out time and waste the day?

3 Doth vain discourse, or empty mirth,
Well suit the honors of their birth?
Shall they be fond of gay attire,
Which children love, and fools admire?

4 Lord, with a heav'n-directed eye,
We'll pass these glittering trifles by.
Oh, raise our hearts and passions higher;
Touch our vain souls with sacred fire;

6 Then we will look on toys below
With such disdain as angels do;
And wait the call that bids us rise
To mansions promis'd in the skies.

Text Information
First Line: Behold the sons, the heirs of God
Title: Gravity and decency
Meter: L. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1799
Topic: Gravity and decency
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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