Happy is he whose early years
Receive instruction well,
Who hates the sinner’s path, and fears
The road that leads to hell.

‘Tis easier work, if we begin
To serve the Lord betimes:
While sinners who grow old in sin
Are hardened by their crimes.

It saves us from a thousand snares,
To mind religion young:
With joy it crowns succeeding years,
And makes our virtues strong.

To Thee, Almighty God! To Thee
Our hearts we now resign;
‘Twill please us to look back and see
That our whole lives were thine.

Let the sweet work of prayer and praise
Employ our daily breath:
Thus we’re prepared for future days,
Or fit for early death.

—by Isaac Watts