At twelve years old he talk'd with men,
(The Jews all wondering stand,)
Yet he obey'd his mother then,
And came at her command.

Children a sweet hosanna sung,

And bless'd their Saviour's name; They gave him honour with their tongue,

While scribes and priests blaspheme.

Samuel the child was wean'd, and brought

To wait upon the Lord;
Young Timothy betimes was taught
To know his holy word.

Then why should I so long delay
What others learnt so soon?
I would not pass another day
Without this work begun.

How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
From ev'ry op'ning flower!
How skilfully she builds her cell!
How neat she spreads the wax!
And labours hard to store it well
With the sweet food she makes.

In works of labour or of skill,
I would be busy too;

For Satan finds some mischief still
For idle hands to do.

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.

19. Against Evil Company.
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?

I hate to hear a wanton song,
Their words offend my ears;
I should not dare defile my tongue
With language such as theirs.
Away from fools I'll turn my eyes,
Nor with the scoffers go;

I would be walking with the wise,
That wiser I may grow.

From one rude boy, that's us'd to mock,
They learn the wicked jest ;

One sickly sheep infects the flock,
And poisons all the rest.

My God, I hate to walk or dwell
With sinful children here;
Then let me not be sent to hell,
Where none but sinners are.

LET children that would fear the Lord
Hear what their teachers say;
With rev'rence meet their parent's word
And with delight obey.

Have you not heard what dreadful

plagues

Are threatened by the Lord,
To him that breaks his father's law,
Or mocks his mother's word?

What heavy guilt upon him lies!
How cursed is his name!
The ravens shall pick out his eyes,
And eagles eat the same.

But those that worship God, and give
Their parents honour due,

Here on this earth they long shall live, And live hereafter too.

21. Against Scoffing and calling Names. OUR tongues were made to bless the Lord,

And not speak ill of men ; When others give a railing word, We must not rail again.

Cross words and angry names require

To be chastis'd at school;

And he's in danger of hell-fire

That calls his brother fool.