No More Learning

_Shame checks our first attempts_; but then 'tis prov'd
_Sins first dislik'd are after that belov'd_.


86. SIN.

Sin leads the way, but as it goes, it feels
The following plague still treading on his heels.


87. UPON GOD.

God, when He takes my goods and chattels hence,
Gives me a portion, giving patience:
What is in God is God; if so it be
He patience gives, He gives Himself to me.


88. FAITH.

What here we hope for, we shall once inherit;
By faith we all walk here, not by the Spirit.


89. HUMILITY.

Humble we must be, if to heaven we go:
High is the roof there; but the gate is low:
Whene'er thou speak'st, look with a lowly eye:
Grace is increased by humility.


90. TEARS.
Our present tears here, not our present laughter,
Are but the handsels of our joys hereafter.

_Handsels_, earnest money, foretaste.


91. SIN AND STRIFE.

After true sorrow for our sins, our strife
Must last with Satan to the end of life.


92. AN ODE, OR PSALM TO GOD.

Dear God,
If Thy smart rod
Here did not make me sorry,
I should not be
With Thine or Thee
In Thy eternal glory.

But since
Thou didst convince
My sins by gently striking;
Add still to those
First stripes new blows,
According to Thy liking.

Fear me,
Or scourging tear me;
That thus from vices driven,
I may from hell
Fly up to dwell
With Thee and Thine in heaven.


93. GRACES FOR CHILDREN.

What God gives, and what we take,
'Tis a gift for Christ, His sake:
Be the meal of beans and peas,
God be thanked for those and these:
Have we flesh, or have we fish,
All are fragments from His dish.
He His Church save, and the king;
And our peace here, like a spring,
Make it ever flourishing.


94. GOD TO BE FIRST SERVED.