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.