William Cowper

Olney Hymn 22. Prayer for Children

    Bestow, dear Lord, upon our youth,
        The gift of saving grace; 
    And let the seed of sacred truth
        Fall in a fruitful place.

    Grace is a plant, where'er it grows,
        Of pure and heavenly root; 
    But fairest in the youngest shows,
        And yields the sweetest fruit.

    Ye careless ones, O hear betimes
        The voice of sovereign love! 
    Your youth is stain'd with many crimes,
        But mercy reigns above.

    True, you are young, but there's a stone
        Within the youngest breast; 
    Or half the crimes which you have done
        Would rob you of your rest.

    For you the public prayer is made;
        Oh! Join the public prayer! 
    For you the secret tear is shed:
        Oh shed yourselves a tear!

    We pray that you may early prove
        The Spirit's power to teach; 
    You cannot be too young to love
        That Jesus whom we preach.