CATECHISM;
OR,
COMPENDUM
Christian Doctrine and
Practice.
By Thomas Baldwin,
Come, ye children, hearken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord…, David.
1810
Ruth Brooks
District Clerk’s Office.
District of Massachusetts, to wit:
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the first day of March, A.D. 1816, and in the
fortieth year of
“A Catechism; or, Compendium of Christian Doctrine and Practice, By Thomas Baldwin, D.D. Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord… DAVID.”
In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled, “An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, during the Times therein mentioned: and extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving and Etching Historical, and other prints.”
John W. Davis, {Clerk of the District of Massachusetts.
PREFACE.
The importance of imparting religious instruction to the tender minds of children, will not be questioned by any who have the least title to the appellation of Christians. “Train up a child, said Solomon, in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” This sacred aphorism is enforced by the apostolical injunction to parents, “to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
The catechetical form of instruction is thought to be more happily adapted to the condition of children than any other. This was early adopted by the Christian Fathers, and has been fully sanctioned by others. Some, however, neglect catechizing their children, not so much from any opposition to the duty itself, as from a dissatisfaction with the Catechisms most commonly in use.
The writer of the following Compendium, during a great part of his ministry, has made use of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism. This, however excellent in general, is nevertheless liable to some objections. Whether any of these are avoided in the one now offered to the public, they will be the judges.
Since completing the above mentioned Catechism, it has been suggested, that a few questions and answers in a more simple form, might be useful for the youngest class of catechumens. In compliance with this suggestion, I have arranged a few short questions and answers: which, though less complete as a system, nevertheless comprise the leading principles of the Christian doctrine. It ought, in justice to the committee, to be noted, that only a part of them have seen and examined this Minor part.
With an earnest desire that the minds of the young may be deeply imbued with correct evangelical sentiments, this little work is most affectionately presented to Ministers and Instructors of children, to Parents and heads of families, and especially to the dear children committed to their care: hoping by the blessings of God it may be happily useful in forming their tender minds to virtue and religion.
RECCOMMMENDATION.
_________
The substance of the following catechism was read before the Boston
Baptist Association at their annual meeting held in
In attending to the duty assigned them, the committee have not been insensible on the one hand of the great importance of imbuing the tender mind with correct religious sentiments, nor, on the other, of the great difficulty of making a catechism well adapted in all respects to that purpose. Nor do they wish to represent the work which is here offered to the public as wholly free from imperfection. They are happy however in being able to say, that they consider it preferable, on the whole, to any other catechism which they have seen. With these impressions they implore the divine blessing upon it, and cheerfully recommend it to all persons who have the care of educating children.
JEREMIAH CHAPLIN.
LUCIUS BOLLES.
DANIEL SHARP.
JAMES M. WINCHELE.
MINOR CATECHISM,
______________
1. Can you tell me, child, who made you?
GOD.
2. Who is God?
God is a Spirit.
3. Does God see you at all times?
He always sees me, both by day and by night.
4. For what end did God make you?
He made me to love and serve him.
5. How ought you to love God?
I ought to love him with all my heart and soul.
6. How must you serve him?
I must serve him, by doing whatsoever he has commanded.
7. In what way has God made his will known?
He has revealed it, in his holy word.
8. How, according to this word, should you treat your parents?
I must “honour my father and mother,” by loving and obeying them in the Lord.
9. How are you required to treat others?
I must treat my superiors with reverence and respect, and my equals with kindness and affection.
10. Are you required always to speak the truth?
I am: for “the Lord hateth the lying tongue.”
11. How are liars to be punished?
“All liars shall have their part in the lake of fire and brimstone.”
12. How should you think and speak of God?
I should never think or speak of God, but with the deepest reverence and awe.
13. Will not God be angry with you, if you use his name profanely?
If I swear profanely, or take his name in vain, he will not “hold me guiltless.”
14. Have you ever offended God?
I fear I have often offended him.
15. Will not God punish you if you sin against him?
He will, unless I repent and forsake my sins.
16. How can you hope for forgiveness if
you do not repent?
I can hope for forgiveness only through the merits of Jesus Christ.
17. Who is Jesus Christ?
He is the Son of God and the only Redeemer of lost sinners.
18. How was Christ, being the Son of God, qualified to act the part of a Redeemer?
He was “born* of a woman, born under the law, to redeem them that were under the law.” (*Vid. McKnight in loc.)
19. What has Christ done for our redemption?
He has obeyed the holy law of God, and suffered in our stead.
20. In what manner did Christ suffer?
He
was crucified on
21. What became of Christ after his
crucifixion?
He was taken down from the cross, and laid in Joseph’s sepulchre.
22. How long did Christ remain in the sepulchre?
Until the morning of the third day, when he rose triumphant over death and the grave.
23. How is it known that Christ rose from the dead?
He was seen alive after his resurrection by all his Apostles, and by above five hundred brethren at once.
24. How did the apostles know that it
was Jesus?
He showed them his hands and his feet, and opened to them his wounded side.
25. What became of Christ after he rose from the dead?
He remained on the earth 40 days, and then ascended to heaven.
26. What does Christ require of us, in order to our being saved by his death?
He requires us to believe in him, and to love and serve him all our days.
27. What did Christ say of little children?
He said, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
28. What is Christ now doing in heaven for his people?
He intercedes for them in heaven, and sends the Holy Spirit to convince, convert, and comfort them.
29. Will Christ come a second time?
At the last day, he will come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
30. In what character will Christ then appear?
He will appear as the Judge of quick and dead.
31. Will Christ be the only Judge?
He will: for the Father judgeth no man; but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.
32. What will be the state of the wicked after the judgment?
They will go away into everlasting punishment.
33. What will be the state of the
righteous?
They will be received to life eternal, to inherit a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world.
LARGER CATECHISM.
FOR THE SECOND CLASS OF
LEARNERS.
____________
GOD is the first and best of beings.
By his works of creation and providence and by his holy word. Rom.
The work of creation is God’s making all things of nothing, in the space of six days. Gen. 2:2, Exod. 20:11.
His works of
providence consist in his upholding and preserving all things, and in the
gracious and wise superintendence which he exercises over all his creatures and
all their actions. Heb. 1:3, Isa.
The word of God
is that extraordinary revelation of his character and will which he has given
us in the holy scriptures. 2 Tim.
He teaches us
that we are bound to love and adore him as the only living and true God, to
abstain from idolatry of every kind, and to practice all the moral and social
virtues. Acts
The word of God
is necessary to set his perfections and our duty before us in the clearest and
most impressive light, to enforce obedience to him by the most powerful
motives, and especially to show us the way in which we may obtain acceptance
with him. Rom.
That the Bible
is the word of God appears from its holy nature and divine harmony; from the
fulfillment of its prophecies; and from the glorious effects which it has been
the means of producing in the hearts and lives of multitudes. John 5:39, Luke
24:26,27, Acts
It teaches us that he is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. John 4:24, Psalm136:5, Heb. 1:13, Psalm 33:5.
There is but one, the living and true God. Isa. 14:22, Mark
They teach us that “there are Three that bear record in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD, and the HOLY GHOST; and that these Three are One;” the same in essence, equal in power and glory. 1 John 5:7.
“No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” John 1:18.
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” We can neither “go from his Spirit, nor flee from his presence.” Prov. 15:3, Psalm 139:7.
He made them to love, fear, and to glorify him. Prov. 16:4, Rev. 4:11, 1 Cor. 6:20.
We should love him “with all our strength, and with all our mind.” Luke 10:27.
We should fear him as we do our parents and others of our superiors whom we love; not with slavish dread, but with filial reverence.
We should glorify him by a holy reverential regard to his authority and commands, in all our thoughts, words and actions.
He “formed” him “out of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Gen 2:7.
He brought upon Adam “a deep sleep,” and took from his side a rib, of which he formed a woman. Gen. 2:21,22.
Man was created in a holy and happy state, bearing the image, and enjoying the favour of his adorable Creator. Gen. 1:27, Eph. 4:24.
“Man being in honour did not abide,” but fell into a state of sin and misery. Psalm49:12, Eccles. 6:29.
Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the law of God. 1 John 3:4.
It consists in a heart alienated from the life of God, and desperately wicked, and in the multitude of actual transgressions which proceed from it. Jer. 17:9, Eph. 1:18, Gen. 6:5.
They have none;
for the Bible represents them as “sensual, having not the Spirit;” as “dead in
trespasses and sins;” and as “having no fear of God before their eyes.” Jude 19, Eph. 2:1,
It consists in the loss of thee divine favour, in suffering the various afflictions of life, the pains of death, and the everlasting displeasure of God in the world to come.
It certainly did; “for by one man’s disobedience many were made
sinners.” Rom.
Yes, the
universal mortality of our race is ascribed to this cause, for “by one man sin
entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned.” Rom.
They have not: “for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.
Jesus Christ.
They represent him as uniting in his mysterious person the divine and human natures, and as being the only true and effectual mediator between God and man.
They call him “Jehovah, the true God, the mighty God,” and “God over all, blessed forevermore.” Jer. 23:6, 1 John 5:20, Isa. 9:6, Rom. 9:5.
They represent him
as being born of a virgin; as being of the seed of David according to the
flesh; and, in short, as having a true body and rational soul like other
men. Luke 1:31, 2:7, Acts
By no means. He “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” He “was holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners.” 1 Pet. 2:22, Heb. 7:26.
They represent him as executing the offices of prophet, priest, and king, both in his state of humiliation and exaltation. Deut. 18:15, Psalm 110:4, Heb. 2:17, Psalm 2:6, 45:1, John 18:33,36,37.
By the instruction which he affords mankind through the medium of his word, and by the agency of his Spirit. John 1:18, 16:7-11.
By once
“offering himself without spot to God” as an atoning sacrifice for sin, and by
“ever living to make intercession for them who come unto God by him.” Heb. 9:14,
By subduing the iniquities of his people, and bringing them into a willing subjection to his authority; by restraining the power and defeating the attempts of his and their enemies; and by rendering all things subservient to their spiritual and eternal welfare. Psalm 11:3, Acts 9:6, 4:7-21, 12:7.
Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in low condition; in his taking upon him the form of a servant; in submitting to the reproaches and contradictions of sinners against himself; in suffering the ignominious death of the cross, and his continuing under the power of death for a time. Luke 2:7, Phil. 2:7, Heb. 12:2, Luke 23:53.
Christ’s exaltation consists in his rising from the dead on the third day; in ascending up into heaven, and in setting at the right hand of God the Father, “far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name which is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.” Matt. 28:6, Acts 1:9, Eph. 1:21.
Till all his elect are gathered into his kingdom, and his incorrigible enemies are made his footstool. Psalm 110:1.
The elect of God, are those of mankind whom he has “chosen to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” 2 Thess. 2:13.
The preaching of the gospel. 1 Cor. 1:21.
The good news from heaven respecting the salvation of sinners by Jesus Christ. Luke 2:10.
To all mankind. Mark
To some it is “a savour of life unto life;” to others, “of death unto death!” 2 Cor. 2:16.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done,” but through the merits and mediation of Christ, who “saves his people by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Tit. 3:5.
Not water baptism in any form; but that gracious and powerful operation of the Holy Spirit, by which an entire change is wrought in the temper and disposition of a sinner’s heart, enabling him “ to put on the new man which after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness.” John 3:8, Eph. 4:24.
It is not progressive, but instantaneous; for the Scriptures call it a “resurrection,” and a passing “from death unto life.” Eph. 2:1-6, I John 3:14.
By God alone: for they who receive Christ, are “born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13.
“Repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus
Christ.” Acts
Because impenitent sinners have no saving interest in Jesus Christ, nor do they possess that holiness which only can fit them to glorify God, or enjoy communion with him. Luke 13:3, 5, Heb. 12:14.
It is that
sorrow which arises not from hatred to sin, but from fear of punishment. Acts
Repentance towards God is that unfeigned sorrow which a regenerated person feels for his sin, when realizing its evil nature as committed against God, the holiest and best of beings: and loathing himself on account of it, he turns from it with full consent of will, and is earnestly desirous of grace to sanctify his heart and reform his life. Psalm 51:4, Job 40:4, 41:6, Isa. 6:5.
It is that full persuasion of the truth of the divine testimony concerning Jesus Christ, which enables the soul to place implicit confidence in him as the true Messiah, and only Saviour of lost sinners. John 3:33, Matt. 16:16, John 1:41.
It is not; for both reason and scripture assure us that there can be no merit in the holiest exercises of fallen creatures. Luke 27:10.
By faith we are united to Christ, and become interested in all his fullness of grace and truth. Hence the scriptures represent him as “made unto believers wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” 1 Cor. 1:30.
We are said to be justified by faith, not for any merit in the act itself, but on account of the perfect righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to all them that believe. Rom 4:9, 21-24.
A false faith admits the truths of the gospel in a speculative way;
but not being associated with love to them, “it holds them in unrighteousness;”
hence it neither purifies the heart nor “overcomes the world.” Rom.
God, having “before the foundation of the world,” chosen some of our guilty race to everlasting life, is graciously pleased to soften their hard hearts and subdue their stubborn wills “by the effectual working of his power,” and in due time, to reveal his Son in them the hope of glory. Eph. 1:4, 3:7, Col. 1:27.
No, it becomes them to lie in the dust before God, and to ascribe their salvation entirely to his sovereign grace. 1 Cor. 15:10.
Unbelief is a crime of the deepest die. “He that believeth not God hath made him a liar, because he hath not believed the record that God gave of his Son. 1 John 5:10.
It requires of
them, that in a serious and devout manner they openly profess their faith in
Christ, and unite themselves to some particular branch of his visible church;
engaging, as members of it, to “walk in all his commandments and ordinances
blameless.” Rom.
The possession of his spirit and temper influencing us to holy obedience. “He,” says Jesus, “that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me.” John 14:21.
He has said,
“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them. Matt
Prayer is the offering of our desires to God for things agreeable to his will in the name of Christ, with sincere confession of our sins and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies. John 16:23, Gen. 32:10.
That it is our
duty to pray is evident from the relations which the Divine Being bears to us,
as our Creator, Preserver, and bountiful Benefactor: and especially, from the
numerous instances in which prayer is expressly enjoined in the holy
scriptures. Jonah 1:6, Acts
That it is a
duty may be fairly inferred from the general direction, to “pray with all
prayer,” and from the practice of good men in every age. Eph.
Those commonly called special ordinances are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Baptism is the
immersion of a person in water “in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost.” Matt. 3:6, 28:19, Acts
To such only as
make a credible profession of their faith in Christ. “If thou believest with
all thy heart, thou mayest.” Acts
We testify our
death to sin, and to this present evil world, and our resurrection to a holy
and heavenly life. We also testify our solemn and unreserved dedication of
ourselves to the Lord.
The Lord’s Supper is that holy ordinance which Jesus instituted on the memorable night in which he was betrayed. Matt. 26:26,27.
It was instituted to be a special memorial of the death of Christ until the end of the world. 1 Cor. 11:25,26.
It was intended
for all the real friends of Christ who have a regular standing in his visible
church. Acts
We do in a most solemn manner profess our fellowship with Christ in his sufferings and death. 1 Cor. 10:16.
Because on the morning of that day, Christ rose from the dead, “and became the first fruits of them that slept. Matt. 28:6, 7, 1 Cor. 15:20.
We have the example of the Apostles frequently assemble with the Jews on the first day of the week. Acts 1:14, 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2.
They did, for the sake of instructing the Jews; but they do not appear to have observed the Jewish Sabbath as a day of sacred rest.
We should spend it in the worship of God, both in public and private; in spiritual conversation; in reading the holy scriptures and other religious books; and in devout meditation on divine subjects. Heb. 10:25, Rev. 1:10.
No worldly business should be performed on that sacred day, except works of necessity and mercy. Rom. 14:6.
Parents are required to “bring up” their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;” that is, to pray with and for them, and exhort them to virtue and holiness; to set good examples before them, and to use all lawful means to restrain them from sin. Eph. 6:4, Prov. 1:8,10, 1 Sam. 3:13.
Children are
required to “honour their father and mother,” to treat them with due reverence
and respect; and with filial affection to obey them in the Lord. Exo.
By the moral law is meant, the ten commandments which God delivered to Moses on mount Sinai. Exo. 20:3-17.
He has.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first great commandment.” Matt. 22:37, 38.
“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matt
He said “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matt. 22:40.*
(*Note: ‘The instructor may if he chooses here introduce the commandments. Exod. 20.)
The moral law,
likes its Author, is unchangeable, and therefore can never relinquish its
claims. Hence believers, though forbidden to look to it for justification, are
bound to observe it as a rule of life.
Rom.
They are not
under the legal or Old Testament dispensation; for that is abolished:
nor are they under the curse of the moral law, for they are
justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Rom.
They cannot; for Jesus said, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall never come into condemnation. John 5:24.
These are intended to destroy the false peace of hypocrites, and to make real Christians more watchful and diligent. Heb. 6:4, 8, Rev. 3:17,18, 1 Cor. 9: 26,27.
They are called saints, the godly, the righteous, the wise, a peculiar people, the generation of the upright, and the children of God. Eph. 1:1, Jude 14, Psa. 4:3, 12:1, Matt. 25:4, 37, 46, Titus 2:14, Ps. 112:2, Matt. 5:9.
They are called
sinners, the ungodly, the wicked, the foolish, the men of the world, a perverse
generation, and the children of the wicked one.
Gen. 13:13, Matt. 26:45, Psa. 1:4, 1 Pet. 4:18, Matt.
Believers, though liable while in the present world to afflictions of various kinds, are nevertheless far more happy than others; for “being justified by faith, they have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.
Unbelievers in this present world are all under a dispensation of mercy, and are indulged with a great variety of blessings: but their state is in reality miserable; for “he that believeth not is condemned already, and the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:18, 36.
Their bodies,
still united to Christ, rest in the grave until the resurrection; and their
souls made perfect in holiness enjoy his blissful presence in the world
above. 1 Cor.
The bodies of unbelievers, though not united to Christ, are suffered to remain in the grave until the resurrection. But being left unreconciled to God, their souls are left in “outer darkness, where there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” John 5: 28,29, Matt. 13:42.
Yes, he will come again at the last day. Acts
He will not
humble himself as he did when he became a Babe at
The most sublime and awful! The trump of God will sound, the dead will be raised and the living changed! 1 Cor. 15:52.
It will; the visible “heavens will pass away with a great noise; the elements will melt with fervent heat: the earth and the works which are therein will be burnt up,” and the whole race of Adam will “appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Pet. 3:10.
He will separate the righteous from the wicked, “as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: and he will set the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left.” Matt. 25:32,33.
“Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matt. 25:34.
He will say to them, “depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41.
Yes: the wicked “shall go away into everlasting punishment,” and “the righteous into life eternal.” Matt. 25:46.
________________________
HYMNS.
______
HYMN 1.
On repeating the catechism.
As Mary sat at Jesus’ feet
To learn her Maker’s will,
We in the Saviour’s presence meet,
And hear his doctrine still.
Still he beholds the wandering look,
Each foolish thought discerns;
And knows who idles at his book,
And who in earnest learns.
O for that meek attentive mind,
Which happy Mary show’d!
And that instruction may we find,
That was on her bestow’d.
Here we are taught the sacred word
The Saviour first convey’d;
And here the doctrines we have heard
Are plain and easy made.
‘Tis here we learn the glorious name
Of God, who reigns above;
And while we read of sinner’s shame
Are taught the Saviour’s love.
Lord, while we thank thee for the grace
That sends this happy news,
We still would sit in Mary’s place,
Her better part to choose.
When the gay scene of life shall close,
And all earth’s joys decay;
This better part which Mary Chose,
Shall ne’er be took away.
___________
HYMN 2.
The Bible.
THIS is a precious book indeed!
Happy the child that loves to read!
“Tis GOD’S own word which he has given
To show our souls the way to heaven.
It tells us how the world was made;
And how good men the Lord obey’d;
There his commands are written too,
To teach us what we ought to do.
It bids us all from sin to fly,
Because our souls can never die;
It points to heaven, where angels dwell:
And warns us to escape from hell.
But what is more than all beside,
The Bible tells us JESUS died!
This its best, its chief intent
To lead poor sinners to repent.
Be thankful, children, that you may
Read this good Bible every day;
‘Tis GOD’S own word, which he has given
To show your souls the way to heaven.
________
HYMN 3.
A
child’s Hymn of Praise.
I Thank the goodness and the grace
Which on my birth have smil’d,
And made me in these Christian days,
A free and happy child.
I was not born as thousands are,
Where God was never known;
And taught to pray a useless prayer,
To blocks of wood and stone.
I was not born where harden’d Jews,
The Saviour’s name deride;
And taught his gospel to refuse,
With haughtiness and pride.
I was not born in Turkish lands,
Where Jesus is unknown;
Nor taught to raise my guilty hands,
The Prophet’s name to own.
I was not born a little slave,
To labour in the sun,
And wish I were but in the grave,
And all my labour done!
My God, I thank thee, who has plann’d
A better lot for me,
And plac’d me in this happy land,
And where I hear of thee.
_____________
HYMN 4.
“Our
Father who art in Heaven.”
Art thou my Father?---then no more
My sins shall tempt me to despair;
My Father pities and forgives,
And hears a child’s repentant prayer.
Art thou my Father?---let me strive
With all my powers to learn thy will;
To make thy service all my care,
And all thy wise commands fulfil.
Art thou my Father?---teach my heart,
Compassion for another’s wo:
And ever to each child of thine,
A brother’s tenderness to show.
Art thou my Father?---then I know
When pains, or want, or griefs oppress;
They come but from a Father’s hand,
Which wounds to heal, afflicts to bless.
Art thou my Father?---then in doubt,
And darkness when I grope my way,
A light shall shine upon my path,
And make my darkness like the day.
Art thou my Father?---then no more
Tremble my soul at death’s alarms;
He comes a messenger of love,
To bear me to his Father’s arm.
___________
HYMN 5.
God
demands the heart.
“Give me thy heart,” the Saviour cries,
Ye children, hear his voice;
Now in your early days be wise,
And make a heavenly choice.
“Give me thy heart,” and let the earth
And all its pleasures go;
Seek bliss of pure celestial birth,
Where joys forever flow.
“Give me thy heart,” he claims the whole,
And why should you deny?
Yea, GIVE HIM all, and let your soul
With his request comply.
“Give me thy heart,” nor linger more,
Too soon you cannot yield;
Now on your knees his grace implore,
And make the Lord your shield.