PARENTAL COUNSEL: Addressed to a Youth on his Entrance upon the World

As when a trav'ller, on his way, attains An height which overlooks his neighb'ring plains, While the declining sun adorns the scene, With golden rays, enliv'ning and serene, His soul revives as he pursues his way, In hope to reach his home by close of day; And there to his lov'd family impart The joys which cheer'd, and pains which press'd his heart: So I, long wand'ring in this vale of tears, Tho' oft assail'd by threat'ning foes and fears, With home in view, would thankfully survey The toils and comforts of Life's chequer'd way; And whilst with glowing gratitude I raise An Eben-ezer to my Saviour's praise, Would point to erring inexperienc'd youth, The path which leads to happiness and truth.

Attend, my Theron, to a parent's voice: 'Tis thine to make his trembling heart rejoice; To sooth for him Life's last afflictive stage, Or point with double force the pangs of age. With many an anxious fear he mark'd thy way, Through helpless infancy to youthful day, And now commits thee to HIS guardian care, Before whose presence we must soon appear; Yet ere thou enter on a world of pain, Where thoughtless mortals seek for bliss in vain; Which spreads its snares and with delusive joy, Like the soft Syren, smiles but to destroy. Ere yet we part, perhaps no more to meet Till we shall stand before the judgment seat; Lend, I intreat thee, an attentive ear, To my last counsel, and my earnest pray'r.

Soon as the morning light salutes thine eyes, To heav'n present thy grateful sacrifice: And through the Mediator's precious blood, Implore the grace and blessing of thy God. Thrice happy they who venture near his throne, And in the Surety claim him for their own; Their Father, Portion, Counsellor, and Friend, Whose mercy, like his nature, knows no end.

Dear to thy soul be ev'ry sacred page, Youth's noblest monitor—the staff of age. Whate'er the scoffing infidel may say, "Retire and read thy Bible to be gay." To guide our feet, its sacred precepts shine, To cheer our hearts, its promises divine, And heav'n's own signature attests each line.

With holy rev'rence keep God's hallow'd day, Nor inforbidden paths with sinners stray; With willing feet to Zion's gates repair, Where kindred spirits join in praise and pray'r; And prove the Sabbath a delightful rest, Of all our days the brightest and the best; Wherein the saints, with ecstacy of heart, Can "sing together though they dwell apart,"

To Wisdom's voice a fix'd attention give: "Forsake the foolish, and thy soul shall live." Allur'd by Vanity's fantastic show, They grasp the shade, and let the substance go, How vain is all their restless search to find A good to satisfy th' immortal mind! Man form'd for God at first, can know no rest, Till grace divine re-animate his breast.

But, while the giddy herd, with careless feet, On Pleasure's flow'ry plains destruction meet, Flee the enticing ruin, and attend The invitation of the sinner's friend: " Give me thine heart, my son," the Saviour cries, " And learn divine realities to prize: " My ways are pleasantness, my paths are peace: " The treasures I bestow can ne'er decrease, " More choice than finest gold, or rubies bright, " Than health more sweet, more cheerful than the light. " My powerful arm shall all thy foes controul, " And endless glory crown thy heav'n-born soul." Yield then thine heart to him, nor longer rove From the blest centre of eternal love; Acknowledge him in all thy future ways, And be thy life devoted to his praise.

Seek first the Saviour's grace if thou wouldst know True peace with God, or happiness below; That grace enjoy'd, thou wilt be truly blest, Howe'er by men despis'd or sorrow prest; United to the Lord by faith divine, Pardon, and life, and righteousness are thine. Sav'd from the pow'r of Sin's detested reign, Nor longer bound by Satan's cruel chain, Thy favour'd soul true liberty shall prove, And gladly urge its way to joys above. Thro' devious wastes, and dangers yet unknown, The gracious Comforter shall lead thee on, Till, the last conflict won, thy spirit rise, To join the holy triumphs of the skies!

There shall the shining hosts unite to sing The reigning grace of Christ, their God and King, And with increasing joy the theme prolong, While ceaseless hallelujahs swell the song!