Examples of Early Piety

What blest examples do I find     Writ in the Word of

Of children that began to mind     Religion in their youth!

Jesus, who reigns above the sky,     And keeps the world in awe,

Was once a child as young as I,     And kept His Father's law.

At twelve years old he talked with men,     The Jews all wondering stand;

Yet He obeyed his Mother then,     And came at her command.

Children a sweet hosanna sung,     And blest their Savior's name;

They gave Him honor with their tongue,     While scribes and priests blaspheme.

Samuel the child was weaned and brought     To wait upon the Lord:

Young Timothy betimes was taught     To know his holy Word.

Then why should I so long delay     What others learnt so soon?

I would not pass another day     Without this work begun.