William Cowper

Olney Hymn 23. Pleading for and with Youth

    Sin has undone our wretched race;
        But Jesus has restored, 
    And brought the sinner face to face
        With his forgiving Lord.

    This we repeat from year to year
        And press upon our youth; 
    Lord, give them an attentive ear,
        Lord, save them by Thy truth!

    Blessings upon the rising race!
        Make this a happy hour, 
    According to Thy richest grace,
        And thine Almighty power.

    We feel for your unhappy state
        (May you regard it too), 
    And would a while ourselves forget
        To pour our prayer for you.

    We see, though you perceive it not,
        The approaching awful doom; 
    Oh tremble at the solemn thought,
        And flee the wrath to come!

    Dear Saviour, let this new-born year
        Spread an alarm abroad; 
    And cry in every careless ear,
        "Prepare to meet thy God!"