If God succeed not, all the cost

And pains to build the house are lost;

If God the city will not keep,

The watchful guards as well may sleep.

What if you rise before the sun,

And work and toil when day is done;

Careful and sparing eat your bread,

To shun that poverty you dread;

'Tis all in vain, till God hath blessed;

He can make rich, yet give us rest:

Children and friends are blessings too,

If God our Sovereign make them so.

Happy the man to whom he sends

Obedient children, faithful friends:

How sweet our daily comforts prove

When they are seasoned with his love!