Classic Poem

I Find you chearful are, and gay;
But Oh! look round, my Dear;
You're in a World of Sin and Woe,
Of every Step beware.

You early are beset with snares,
Like Serpents Men will bite:
Oh! pray to God to guard your Heart,
And guide your Actions right.

Abimelech dar'd not to touch,
Chast Sarah for her ill;
The Lord that lov'd her kept him back,
He guards the virtuous still.

Upon the flatt'rer ever look,
As froth upon the Beer;
Oh! give it all unto the Wind,
His Word's like poison'd Air.

Yes, were you like to Absalom,
No blemish could be found;
Yet know that you was born to die,
Death soon may give the Wound

Your Body must return to Dust,
Your Soul to God appear;
To give Account what you have done
While in the Body here.

Upon the Rake, then, never Smile,
Like Dogs they're running mad;
On Mischief set, they others bite,
And make the Joyful sad.

Upon the Man of Sense alone,
That has a virtuous Mind,
It only can be safe to Smile — —
Be caut'ous how you're kind.

Oh! pray to God to pity you,
And save you thro' his Son,
He's promised forgiveness thro'
What Christ our Lord has done.

That he may guide and guard your Path,
I beg, both Night and Day;
Lest Man, vile Man, should break your Peace
And steal your Joys away.