Why standest thou afar off O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? Arise, O Lord: O God, lift up thine hand : forget not the bumble. Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their hearts, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised so shall I be saved from the wicked one. In my distress I called upon the name of the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, my cry came before him, even unto his ears. He The Lord is my Shepherd: I shall not want. makes me lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Did youth but know the pleasures that arise from an early culture of the mind, I am led to believe they would never waste, in useless pursuits, the many hours they do. And could they be induced to be come wise in season, they might escape those bitter regrets which await the idle and the vicious. How many have I been a witness to, who would have given life almost to redeem mispent time, when they have seen others of their own age and rank in life, who, by making virtue, and a right use of time their first object, have risen to honour and riches in the world. Mark that parent hen, dear children. With what kind care does she call her offspring, and cover them with her wings. The kite now flying in the air, seek. ing his prey, may perhaps dart upon her, and bear her off in his talons. Does not this sight suggest to you the kindness of your mother, and her watchful tare over you in the helpless state of childhood, when she fed you with her milk, taught your limbs to move, and your tongue to lisp its unformed accents? At that time she mourned over your little griefs; was pleased with your calm delights; sought for you the healing balm in sickness; and planted in your mind the love of truth, of virtue, and of wisdom. Oh! cherish every idea of respect for such a mother; she merits your warmest favour, esteem, and love. |