Classic Poem

Miss Mary, you are young and gay,
Now in the bloom of Life;
I beg that you will caut'ous be,
How you become a Wife.

The Marriage Ceremony read,
And mind it well, I pray;
Ne'er give your Hand, unless you mean
To honour and obey.

And if you love a Man of Sense,
Who strives to guide you right;
No hardship 'tis to honour him,—
Obey him with delight.

The flatterer then for ever shun
Howe'er his Person shin'd;
His Tales of Love, Oh! never hear,
He Poison would your Mind.

Nay, would he take you for his Wife,
Sad Knowledge must you gain;
It is beneath a Man of Sense
To make a Woman vain.

And now would you have my Advice,
Then mark well what I say;
Do read your Bible often o'er,
Your Parent's both obey.

Happy you'll be, then, dearest Maid,
They good Advice will give;
Teach you to love and serve your God,
By Faith on Christ to live.

And if you live by Faith in Christ,
He'll guide you safe thro' Life;
If that you single do remain,
Or do become a Wife.

You wish to have these Lines in print,
Then here you may them see;
And now be you more anxious, pray,
Your Name in Heaven may be.

Yea, written in the Book of Life,
There ever to remain;
And if you have a wish like this,
It's neither mean, nor vain.