An Affectionate Address to the Youth of Both Sexes

Reflecting on the slipp'ry paths of youth, My heart's engag'd that you may buy the truth; That you may take the counsel of a friend, And that a blessing may with it descend.

What shall I say? how shall I you address? Or in what words my sentiments express? I know my dears you stand on slipp'ry ground, I know that many dangers you surround, That nought can save you but Almighty Pow'r, Oh fly to him for refuge ev'ry hour, That no man take your crown, but that you may Be number'd with the lambs at the last day.

Oft have I view'd you with a tender eye, Oft have I long'd for your prosperity: Oh! could I bring you up in Zion's ways, Methinks it would delight my latter days. You pleasant Plants, a Garden of sweet Flow'rs, Who oft have been refresh'd by gospel show'rs; What goodly persons, full of health and ease, Not one among you but are form'd to please. Are your lamps fill'd with oil? do they burn bright? If not, begin the work this very night; Make no excuses, but with one accord Freely give in your names to serve the Lord; He's no hard Master I am bold to say, But takes delight his laborers to pay.

You may remember once a Fig-tree stood, Its leaves and branches I suppose were good; This tree not doubt, as well as all of you, Partook of sun-shine, rain and morning dew, But oh! it only cumber'd up the ground, For not one fruitful branch was to be found: What was the consequence? the tree was curst! A dreadful sentence! but methinks 'twas just. Well, let a little on this head suffice, A word's sufficient to the truly wise; For oh! I hope not one of you'll be found A fruitless Fig-tree, cumb'ring up the ground, But if you live to see another YEAR, A little Fruit will on each Branch appear. We want your help young MEN and WOMEN too; Methinks you say, alas! what can we do? Hath not your Maker's will been made appear? Hath not the Trump been sounded in your ear? Come forth to Battle in your Maker's cause, In vindication of his HOLY LAWS. We've need enough of Warriors in our day, When many careless ones are heard to say, Aha! this People in one cent'ry more Will mingle with the Nations as before.

'Tis true the Church is in a wintry state, Her Barrenness and Poverty are great; Her Judges are remov'd and out of sight, Her Pillars gone, her Altars broken quite; I've seen the desolation long ago, And secretly have mourn'd because 'twas so. How many sprightly Youths in this our day Have left the Flock, took wing and gone away; Like broken Bows they start and twist aside, Spending their Time in Vanity and Pride, And will you also from Christ's Law's depart? Well then I'm sure 'twill wound my tender heart; The very thought doth make my eyes to flow, For if you leave the Flock where will you go? Without a Pilot how the Ship is tost, Without a Shepherd many Sheep are lost, Expos'd to Bears and Wolves, and nipping Frost; But if our Zion should again arise, And from the Wilderness lift up her Eyes, It must be by the help of such as you, For without this I'm sure 'twill never do; Come boldly forth then, fear no Opposition, No Wounds nor Blows, for Christ is your Physician. He'll be your Battle-axe, your Sword and Shield, If unto him you due OBEDIENCE yield. Cloath'd with his Armour you'll be made complete, And Foes subdu'd shall fall beneath your Feet.

Remember my dear Friends, those that partake Of Persecution for the GOSPEL's sake, Shall be invited to the Royal Board, The Harvest Supper of the LAMB our LORD, To whose great Name eternal Praise be giv'n By Saints on earth, and Seraphims in heav'n.

How would my heart expand, could I but see The Church come forth from her Captivity; To view her glorious as in antient days, And each uniting to exalt her praise; To see her broken walls built up again, And Youths like you attending on her train: Then will the Lord descend with open hand, And Peace and Plenty crown the prostrate land: He'll dry our Tears, and graciously restore Judges and Counsellors as heretofore, To each he will assign their proper place, To each he'll give an ornament of grace; Then shall the prison-doors wide open flee, And captive Souls be set at LIBERTY: Then shall the voice of Lamentation cease, And Wars and Conflicts terminate in Peace.

Instead of sighing melody will sound, Instead of mourning praises will be found; The clouds shall break, the shadows flee away, And joy and gladness usher in the day; A glorious Gospel-day shall then arise, And scenes of wonder open to our eyes; Stones ready form'd shall be then beautify'd, The Vessels of the Temple purify'd, And stately Oaks shall spread their branches wide: Trees of renown, planted by GOD's right hand, These are the Oaks that will be sure to stand. Instead of joining with the nations' ways, The nations will unite with us in praise; Like Doves unto their Windows they will run, Basking themselves in the bright Gospel Sun, And own in them a mighty work begun, Feel its enliv'ning pow'r to warm their heart, To cheer each wound, and strengthen ev'ry part. A sight of this would animate me more Than corn and wine and oil laid up in store.

But stop a while; I've one thing more to say, That if from all advice you turn away; If no Entreaties will prevail with you, Nor soft Persuasions the great business do, The Summons is gone forth, but not in vain, Nor shall the Word come empty back again, But will perform its office as you'll see, I speak under Divine Authority— Others will be call'd in from distant lands, That will be glad to run at his Commands; So be admonish'd, turn, repent and live, And to your Maker his due honor give; Despise not prophesying, quench not the Spirit, So shall each one a GLORIOUS CROWN inherit.