On Dissipation

In what clear terms, oh God, thy book, Instructs all those that therein look, And truths divine would know: For there a father's graceless son We see thro' dissipation run, To quick and certain woe.

Yet learn we likewise from the tale, Tho' children in their love may fail; Not parents so in theirs; See ours; and mark when his dear child Return'd, of every thing despoil'd, How he his love declares.

Grant, of thy grace oh Lord, that we, Ne'er, like this youth, may ingrates be To those that gave us breath: Convinc'd they best our steps can guide, Let us ne'er wish to quit their side, But cleave thereto till death.

So, while our parents thus we love, To thee, oh God, who rul'st above, Our duty shall we shew; For Jesus Christ, thy son, hath said, That by paternal goodness led, Thou art our father too.