Happy the child whose tender years

Receive instruction well,

Who hates the sinner’s path, and fears

The road that leads to hell.

2 ’Twill save us from a thousand snares

To mind religion young,

Grace will preserve our following years,

And make our virtues strong.

3 To thee, Almighty God, to thee

Our childhood we resign;

’Twill please us to look back and see

That our whole lives were thine.

4 O let the work of prayer and praise

Employ my youngest breath;

Thus I’m prepared for longer days,

Or fit for early death.