  I.—A General Song of Praise to God. 1 How glorious is our heavenly King, who reigns above the sky! How shall a child presume to sing his dreadful Majesty? 2 How great his power is, none can tell, Nor think how large his grace; Not man below, nor saints that dwell on high before his face: 3 Nor angels that stand round the Lord, can search his secret will; But they perform his heavenly word, and sing his praises still. 4 Then let me join this holy train, and my first off’rings bring; The eternal God will not disdain to hear an infant sing. 5 My heart resolves, my tongue obeys, and angels shall rejoice, To hear their mighty Maker’s praise sound from a feeble voice. II.—Praise for Creation and Providence. 1 I sing the Almighty power of God, that made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies. 2 I sing the wisdom that ordain’d the sun to rule the day; The moon shines full at his command, and all the stars obey. 3 I sing the goodness of the Lord, that filled the earth with food; He formed the creatures with his word, and then pronounc’d them good. 4 Lord, how many wonders are display’d where’er I turn mine eye! If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky. 5 There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes thy glories known; And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from thy throne. 6 Creatures (as numerous as they be) are subject to thy care; There’s not a place where we can flee, but God is present there. 7 In heaven he shines with beams of love, with wrath in hell beneath; ’Tis on his earth I stand or move, and ’tis his air I breath. 8 His hand is my perpetual guard, he keeps me with his eye; Why should I then forget the Lord, who is for ever nigh? III.—Praise to God for our Redemption. 1 Blest be the wisdom and the power, the justice and the grace, That joined in counsel to restore and save our ruin’d race. 2 Our father ate forbidden fruit, and from his glory fell; And we, his children, thus were brought to death, and near to hell. 3 Blest be the Lord that sent his Son to take our flesh and blood; He for our lives gave up his own, to make our peace with God. 4 He honour’d all his Father’s laws, which we have disobey’d; He bore our sins upon the cross, and our full ransom paid. 5 Behold him rising from the grave; behold him raised on high; He pleads his merits there to save transgressors doom’d to die. 6 There on a glorious throne he reigns and by his power divine, Redeems us from the slavish chains of Satan and of sin. 7 Then shall the Lord to judgment come, and with a sovereign voice Shall call and break up every tomb, while waking saints rejoice. 8 O may I then with joy appear before the Judge’s face; And with the blessed assembly there, sing his redeeming grace! IV.—Spiritual and Temporal Mercies. 1 Whene’er I take my walks abroad, how many poor I see! What shall I render to my God for all his gifts to me! 2 Not more than others I deserve, yet God has given me more; For I have food, while others starve, or beg from door to door. 3 How many children in the street half naked I behold! While I am clothed from head to feet, and covered from the cold! 4 While some poor wretches scarce can tell where they may lay their head, I have a house wherein to dwell, and rest upon my bed. 5 While others early learn to swear, and curse, and lie, and steal, Lord, I am taught thy name to fear, and do thy holy will. 6 Are these thy favours day by day, to me above the rest? Then let me love thee more than they and try to serve thee best. V.—Praise for Birth and Education in a Christian Land. 1 Great God! to thee my voice I raise, to thee my youngest hours belong; I would begin my hours with praise, till growing years improve the song. 2 ’Tis to thy sov’reign grace I owe that I was born on British ground, Where streams of heavenly mercy flow, and words of sweet salvation sound. 3 I would not change my native land for rich Peru, with all her gold: A nobler prize lies in my hand than East, or Western Indies hold. 4 How do I pity those that dwell where ignorance and darkness reign; They know no heaven they fear no hell, the endless joy, the endless pain! 5 Thy glorious promises, O Lord! kindle my hope and my desire: While all the preachers of thy word warn me to ’scape eternal fire. 6 Thy praise shall still employ my breath, since thou hast mark’d my way to heaven, Nor will I run the road to death, and waste the blessings thou hast given. VI.—Praise for the Gospel. 1 Lord, I ascribe it to thy grace, and not to chance, as others do, That I was born of Christian race, and not a Heathen or a Jew. 2 What would the ancient Jewish kings and Jewish prophets once have given Could they have heard those glorious things which Christ reveal’d and brought from heaven! 3 How glad the heathens would have been, that worshipp’d idols, wood, and stone, If they the book of God had seen, or Jesus and his gospel known! 4 Then if this gospel I refuse, how shall I e’er lift up mine eyes? For all the Gentiles and the Jews against me will in judgment rise. VII.—The Excellency of the Bible. 1 Great God, with wonder and with praise on all thy works I look; But still thy wisdom, power, and grace, shine brightest in thy book. 2 The stars, that in their courses roll, have much instruction given; But thy good word informs my soul how I may climb to heaven. 3 The fields provide me food, and show the goodness of the Lord; But fruits of life and glory grow in thy most holy Word. 4 Here are choicest treasures hid; here my best comfort lies; Here my desires are satisfied, and hence my hopes arise. 5 Lord, make me understand thy law, show what my faults have been; And from thy gospel let me draw pardon for all my sin. 6 Here would I learn how Christ has died to save my soul from hell; Not all the books on earth beside such heavenly wonders tell. 7 Then let me love my Bible more, and take a fresh delight By day to read thy wonders o’er, and meditate by night. VIII.—Praise to God for learning to read. 1 The praises of my tongue I offer to the Lord, That I was taught and learn’d so young to read his holy word. 2 That I am brought to know the danger I was in, By nature, and by practice too, a wedded slave to sin: 3 That I am led to see I can do nothing well; And whither shall a sinner flee to save himself from hell? 4 Dear Lord! this book of thine informs me where to go For grace to pardon all my sin, and make me holy too. 5 Here I can read and learn how Christ, the Son of God, Did undertake our great concern,— our ransom cost his blood. 6 And now he reigns above, he sends his Spirit down To show the wonders of his love, and make his gospel known. 7 O may that Spirit teach, and make my heart receive Those truths which all thy servants preach, and all thy saints believe! 8 Then shall I praise the Lord in a most cheerful strain, That I was taught to read his Word, and have not learned in vain. IX.—The All-seeing God. 1 Almighty God, thy piercing eye strikes through the shades of night, And our most secret actions lie all open to thy sight. 2 There’s not a sin that we commit, nor wicked word we say, But in thy dreadful book ’tis writ against the judgment day. 3 And must the crimes that I have done be read and publish’d there? Be all exposed before thy Son, while men and angels hear? 4 Lord, at thy feet asham’d I lie, upward I dare not look; Pardon my sins before I die, and blot them from thy book. 5 Remember all the dying pains that my Redeemer felt, And let his blood wash out my stains, and answer for my guilt. 6 O may I now for ever fear T’ indulge a sinful thought, Since the great God can see and hear and writes down every fault. X.—Solemn Thoughts of God and Death. 1 There is a God that reigns above, lord of the heavens and earth and seas, I fear his wrath, I ask his love, and with my lips I sing his praise. 2 There is a law which he has writ, to teach us all what we must do; My soul, to his commands submit, for they are holy, just and true. 3 There is a gospel of rich grace, whence sinners all their comfort draw Lord, I repent and seek thy face, for I have often broke thy law. 4 There is an hour when I must die, nor do I know how soon ’twill come; A thousand children young as I are called by death to hear their doom. 5 Let me improve the hours I have, before the day of grace is fled; There’s no repentance in the grave, nor pardon offered to the dead. 6 Just as a tree cut down, that fell to north or southward, there it lies: So man departs to heaven or hell, fix’d in the state wherein he dies. XI.—Heaven and Hell. 1 There is beyond the sky, a heaven of joy and love; And holy children when they die, go to that world above. 2 There is a dreadful hell, and everlasting pains, Where sinners must with devils dwell, in darkness, fire, and chains. 3 Can such a wretch as I escape this cursed end? And may I hope whene’er I die, I shall to heaven ascend? 4 Then will I read and pray, while I have life and breath, Lest I should be cut off to-day, and sent t’ eternal death. XII.—The advantages of early Religion. 1 Happy the child whose tender years receive instruction well; Who hates the sinner’s path, and fears the road that leads to hell. 2 When we devote our youth to God, ’tis pleasing in his eyes; A flower, when offer’d in the bud, is no vain sacrifice. 3 ’Tis easier work, if we begin to fear the Lord betimes; While sinners, who grow old in sin, are hardened in their crimes. 4 ’Twill save us from a thousand snares, to mind religion young; Grace will preserve our following years, and make our virtue strong. 5 To thee, Almighty God, to thee, our childhood we resign; ’Twill please us to look back and see that our whole lives were thine. 6 Let the sweet work of prayer and praise employ my youngest breath; Thus I’m prepared for longer days, or fit for early death. XIII.—The Danger of Delay. 1 Why should I say, “’Tis yet too soon to seek for heaven, or think of death?” A flower may fade before ’tis noon, and I this day may lose my breath. 2 If this rebellious heart of mine Despise the gracious call of Heaven, I may be hardened in my sin, and never have repentance given. 3 What if the Lord grew wroth and swear, while I refuse to read and pray, That he’ll refuse to lend an ear to all my groans another day. 4 What if his dreadful anger burn while I refuse his offer’d grace, And all his love to fury turn, and strike me dead upon the place. 5 ’Tis dangerous to provoke our God! his power and vengeance none can tell; One stroke of his Almighty rod shall send young sinners down to hell. 6 Then ’twill for ever be in vain to cry for pardon and for grace, To wish I had my time again, or hope to see my Maker’s face. XIV.—Against Lying. 1 O ’tis a lovely thing for youth to walk betimes in wisdom’s way: To fear a lie, to speak the truth, that we may trust to all they say! 2 But liars we can never trust, tho’ they should speak the thing that’s true; And he that does one fault at first, and lies to hide it, makes it two. 3 Have we not known, nor heard, nor read, how God abhors deceit and wrong, How Ananias was struck dead, Caught with a lie upon his tongue? 4 So did his wife Sapphira die, when she came in, and grew so bold, As to confirm the wicked lie that just before her husband told. 5 The Lord delights in them that speak the words of truth; but every liar Must have his portion in the lake that burns with brimstone and with fire. 6 Then let me always watch my lips, lest I be struck to death and hell, Since God a book of reck’ning keeps for every lie that children tell. XV.—Against Quarrelling and Fighting. 1 Let dogs delight to bark and bite for God hath made them so; Let bears and lions growl and fight, for ’tis their nature too; 2 But children, you should never let such angry passions rise; Your little hands were never made to tear each other’s eyes. 3 Let love through all your actions run, and all your words be mild; Live like the blessed Virgin’s Son, that sweet and lovely Child. 4 His soul was gentle as a lamb; and, as his stature grew, He grew in favour both with man and God his Father too. 5 Now Lord of all he reigns above; and from his heavenly throne He sees what children dwell in love, and marks them for his own. XVI.—Love between Brothers and Sisters. 1 Whatever brawls disturb the street, there should be peace at home; Where sisters dwell and brothers meet quarrels should never come. 2 Birds in their little nests agree, and ’tis a shameful sight When children of one family fall out, and chide, and fight. 3 Hard names at first, & threat’ning words, that are but noisy breath, May grow to clubs and naked swords, to murder and to death. 4 The devil tempts one mother’s son to rage against another; So wicked Cain was hurried on till he had kill’d his brother. 5 The wise will make their anger cool, at least before ’tis night; But in the bosom of a fool it burns till morning light. 6 Pardon, O Lord, our childish rage, our little brawls remove, That, as we grow to riper age, our hearts may all be love. XVII.—Against Idleness and Mischief. 1 How doth the little busy bee improve each shining hour, And gather honey all the day from every opening flower. 2 How skilfully she builds her cell! how neat she spreads her wax! And labours hard to store it well with the sweet food she makes. 3 In works of labour, or of skill, I would be busy too: For Satan finds some mischief still for idle hands to do. 4 In books, or works, or healthful play let my first years be past, That I may give for every day some good account at last. XIII.—Against Evil Company. 1 Why should I join with those in play in whom I’ve no delight, Who curse and swear, but never pray who call ill names, and fight? 2 I hate to hear a wanton song; their words offend my ears; I should not dare defile my tongue with language such as theirs. 3 Away from fools I’ll turn my eyes, nor with the scoffers go; I would be walking with the wise, that wiser I may grow. 4 From one rude boy that’s used to mock, ten learn the wicked jest; One sickly sheep infects the flock, and poisons all the rest. 5 My God, I hate to walk or dwell with sinful children here; Then let me not be sent to hell, where none but sinners are. XIX.—Against Pride in Clothes. 1 Why should our garments, made to hide Our parents’ shame, provoke our pride? The art of dress did ne’er begin Till Eve, our mother, learned to sin. 2 When first she put the covering on, Her robe of innocence was gone; And yet her children vainly boast In the sad marks of glory lost. 3 How proud we are! how fond to show Our clothes! and call them rich and new! When the poor sheep and silkworms wore That very clothing long before. 4 The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer coats than I; Let me be dress’d fine as I will, Flies, worms, and flowers excel me still. 5 Then will I set my heart to find Inward adornings of the mind; Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace, These are the robes of richest dress. 6 No more shall worms with me compare; This is the raiment angels wear; The Son of God, when here below, Put on this blest apparel too. 7 It never fades, it ne’er grows old, Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould; It takes no spot, but still refines; The more it’s worn, the more it shines. 8 In this on earth should I appear, Then go to heav’n and wear it there, God will approve it in his sight; ’Tis his own work, and his delight. XX.—Obedience to Parents. 1 Let children that would fear the Lord hear what their teachers say; With reverence meet their parents’ word, and with delight obey. 2 Have we not heard what dreadful plagues are threat’ned by the Lord, To him that breaks his father’s law, or mocks his mother’s word? 3 What heavy guilt upon him lies! how cursed is his name! The ravens shall pick out his eyes, and eagles eat the same. 4 But those who worship God, and give their parents honour due, Here on this earth they long shall live, and live hereafter too. XXI.—The Child’s Complaint. 1 Why should I love my sports so well, so constant at my play, And lose the thoughts of heaven and hell, and then forget to pray? 2 What do I read my Bible for, but, Lord, to learn thy will? And shall I learn to know thee more, and less obey thee still? 3 How senseless is my heart and wild! how vain are all my thoughts! Pity the weakness of a child, and pardon all my faults. 4 Make me thy heav’nly voice to hear, and let me love to pray, Since God will lend a gracious ear to what a child can say. XXII.—A Morning Song. 1 My God, who makes the sun to know his proper hour to rise, And to give light to all below, dost send him round the skies: 2 When from the chambers of the east his morning race begins, He never tires, nor stops to rest, but round the world he shines; 3 So, like the sun, would I fulfil the business of the day, Begin my work betimes, and still march on my heav’nly way. 4 Give me, O Lord, thine early grace, nor let my soul complain That the young morning of my days has all been spent in vain. XXIII.—An Evening Song. 1 And now another day is gone, I’ll sing my Maker’s praise; My comforts every hour make known his providence and grace. 2 But how my childhood runs to waste my sins, how great their sum! Lord, give me pardon for the past, and strength for days to come. 3 I lay my body down to sleep; let angels guard my head, And through the hours of darkness keep their watch around my bed. 4 With cheerful heart I close my eyes, since thou wilt not remove; And in the morning let me rise rejoicing in thy love. XXIV.—For the Lord’s Day Morning. 1 This is the day when Christ arose so early from the dead; Why should I keep my eyelids close, and waste my hours in bed? 2 This is the day when Jesus broke the powers of death and hell; And shall I still wear Satan’s yoke, and love my sins so well? 3 To-day with pleasure Christians meet, to pray, and hear thy Word, And I will go with cheerful feet to learn thy will, O Lord. 4 I’ll leave my sport to read and pray, and so prepare for heaven: O may I love this blessed day the best of all the seven! XXV.—For the Lord’s Day Evening. 1 Lord, how delightful ’tis to see A whole assembly worship thee! At once they sing, at once they pray, They hear of heaven and learn the way. 2 I have been there, and still would go, ’Tis like a little heaven below; Nor all my pleasures, nor my play, Shall tempt me to forget that day. 3 O write upon my mem’ry, Lord, The test and doctrines of thy Word, That I may break thy laws no more, But love thee better than before. 4 With thoughts of Christ, and things divine Fill up this foolish heart of mine; That, hoping pardon through his blood, I may lie down, and wake with God. FINIS. THE PLANT OF RENOWN: BEING TWO SERMONS, PREACHED BY THE REV. EBENEZER ERSKINE, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN STIRLING. GLASGOW: PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS.
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