AGAINST IDLENESS AND MISCHIEF. 1 How doth the little busy bee 2 How skilfully she builds her cell! 3 In works of labour, or of skill, For Satan finds some mischief still 4 In books, or works, or healthful play, Let my first years be past; That I may give for ev'ry day Some good account at last. 1 WHY should I join with those in play, In whom I've no delight; Who curse and swear, but never pray, Who call ill names and fight? 2 I hate to hear a wanton song; 3 Away from fools I'll turn my eyes, I would be walking with the wise, 4 From one rude boy that's us'd to mock, Ten learn the wicked jest: One sickly sheep infects the flock, 5 My God, I hate to walk or dwell Then let me not be sent to hell, AGAINST PRIDE IN CLOTHES. 1 WHY should our garments, made to hide Our parents' shame, provoke our pride? The art of dress did ne'er begin, Till Eve, our mother, learnt to sin. 2 When first she put the cov'ring on, 3 How proud we are! how fond to show 4 The tulip and the butterfly Appear in gayer coats than I; Let me be drest fine as I will, Flies, worms, and flow'rs exceed me still. 6 No more shall worms with me compare; 7 It never fades, it ne'er grows old, 8 In this on earth would I appear, Then go to heav'n and wear it there: 1 LET children that would fear the Lord, Hear what their teachers say; With rev'rence meet their parents' word, 2 Have you not heard what dreadful plagues 3 What heavy guilt upon him lies! 4 But those that worship God, and give Here on this earth they long shall live, |