And, through the hours of darkness, keep
Their watch around my bed.

With cheerful heart I close my eyes,
Since Thou wilt not remove;
And in the morning let me rise,
Rejoicing in Thy love.
--_Isaac Watts_.

{334}

THE SLUGGARD

'T is the voice of the Sluggard: I heard him complain,
"You have waked me too soon! I must slumber again!"
As a door on its hinges, so he on his bed
Turns his sides, and his shoulders, and his heavy head.

"A little more sleep and a little more slumber!"
Thus he wastes half his days and his hours without number;
And when he gets up he sits folding his hands,
Or walks about sauntering, or trifling he stands.

I pass'd by his garden and saw the wild brier,
The thorn and the thistle grow broader and higher;
The clothes that hang on him are turning to rags,
And his money still wastes, till he starves or he begs.

I made him a visit, still hoping to find
He had took better care for improving his mind:
He told me his dreams, talked of eating and drinking;
But he scarce reads his Bible, and never loves thinking.

Said I then to my heart, "Here's a lesson for me!
That man's but a picture of what I might be;
But thanks to my friends for their care in my breeding,
Who have taught me betimes to love working and reading."
--_Isaac Watts_.

{335}{336}

[Illustration]
THE DIVINE SHEPHERD
By Murillo (1618-1682)
[End illustration]

{337}

PRAISE FOR MERCIES, SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL

Whene'er I take my walks abroad,
How many poor I see!
What shall I render to the Lord
For all His gifts to me!

Not more than others I deserve,
Yet God hath given me more;
For I have food, while others starve,
Or beg from door to door.

How many children in the street
Half naked I behold!
While I am clothed from head to feet
And cover'd from the cold.

While some poor wretches scarce can tell
Where they may lay their head,
I have a home wherein to dwell,
And rest upon my bed.

While others early learn to swear,
And curse, and lie, and steal;
Lord, I am taught Thy name to fear,
And do Thy holy will.

Are these Thy favors, day by day,
To me above the rest?
Then let me love Thee more than they,
And try to serve Thee best.
--_Isaac Wat