HOW shall I walk my God to please, And spread content and happiness O'er all...

HOW shall I walk my God to please, And spread content and happiness O'er all beneath my care? A pattern to my household give, And as a guardian angel live, As Jesu's messenger?

The opposite extremes I see, Remissness and severity, And know not how to shun The precipice on either hand, While in the narrow path I stand, And dread to venture on.

Shall I, through indolence supine, Neglect, betray, my charge divine, My delegated power? The souls I from my Lord receive, Of each I an account must give, At that tremendous hour!

Lord over all, and God most high! Jesus, to thee for help I fly, For constant power and grace; That, taught by thy good Spirit and led, I may with confidence proceed, And all thy footsteps trace.

O teach me my first lesson now! And, while to thy sweet yoke I bow, Thy easy service prove, Lowly and meek in heart, I see The art of governing like thee Is governing by love.