Happy the youth that soon begin

1 Happy the youth that soon begin
To shun and flee the way of sin;
If they receive instruction well,
They will avoid the way to hell.

2 They shall escape a thousand snares,
If they devote their tender years,
To serve the Lord with heart and mind,
And are to all his will resign'd.

3 Daily in virtue to increase:
Is gaining heaven by degrees;
While they who will not seek by times,
And last grow hard'ned in their crimes.

4 If they who are yet in their youth,
Do love to hear and learn the truth;
With ease their souls may be refin'd,
And true religion fill their mind.

5 It is by one and all confess'd,
That all such youth is truly blest;
They shall in all succeeding days,
Be bless'd in all their lives and ways.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXCV