Should it not be our chief concern

1 Should it not be our chief concern
To take the charge of rising youth,
That they be taught to know and learn
The doctrine of the gospel truth.

2 If these, our duties we neglect,
And not instruct the rising race;
What can or may we then expect?
But citizens, corrupt and base.

3 How carefully each parent ought
Devote their children unto God,
And see that they be truly taught
To walk the straight and heav'nly road.

4 Our Saviour and our God to know,
Is everlasting life and peace;
What better then can parents do,
Than truly to provide for this.

5 This charge, the great Jehovah gave,
When he by Moses gave his Laws;
And by Saint Paul the same we have,
And is the same as first it was.

6 What can such wicked parents plead!
This needful duty to refuse;
Our youth, the same instructions need,
As did the youth of ancient Jews.

7 Why should we slight that great command,
And not to teach our youth the word,
Which would give them to understand
The will and counsels of the Lord.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXCIX