A FATHER's PRAYER FOR HIS CHILDREN

O GOD! whose kingdom fix'd above, To babes is liken'd well, Where innocence abides with love, And peace and meekness dwell:

Look down!—a father's sorrows read, A father's succour lend! The babes, in whose behalf I plead, Could never thee offend.

Their infant years from danger keep, Nor yet in age forsake; By night protect them when they sleep, And watch them when they wake.

Let not the guileful snares of youth, Their hearts from virtue draw; Preserve them in the paths of truth, And guide them in thy law.

Let not th' offences of the fire, Upon the child descend! But spare the guiltless in thine ire, And let thy judgments end.

Bread, and a father's blessing give, The children's wants supply; And in thy precepts let them live, As they would wish to die.