My God, accept my early vows,

Like morning incense in thine house;

And let my nightly worship rise

Sweet as the evening sacrifice.

Watch o'er my lips, and guard them, Lord,

From every rash and heedless word;

Nor let my feet incline to tread

The guilty path where sinners lead.

O may the righteous, when I stray,

Smite, and reprove my wand'ring way!

Their gentle words, like ointment shed,

Shall never bruise, but cheer my head.

When I behold them pressed with grief,

I'll cry to heav'n for their relief;

And by my warm petitions prove

How much I prize their faithful love.