Linden Harp ‎#150

150. God, the giver

Martha.
1 Dear little sister, how d'ye do?

Alice.
I'm well, I thank you; how are you?

Martha.
I'm well; but 'tis not you I thank.

Alice.
Are you so rude?

Martha.
No! only frank. Thank you for asking, not for health,
That you can't give, no more than wealth:
'Tis God that gives us health and breath,
And he can save our souls from death.

2 Alice.
Who clothes us? God, and keeps us warm,
Guards us both day and night from harm.

Alice.
And does God give us what we eat?

Martha.
Yes, bread and fruit, herbs, fish, and meat.

Alice.
But if we're sick? God, if he please,
Can make us well and give us ease.
Now let us sing commandments ten,
Which teach the ways of God to men:--

Both.
3 Have thou no other God than me,
Before no idol bow thy knee;
Take not the name of God in vain,
Nor dare the Sabbath day profane.
Give both thy parents honor due,
Take heed that thou no murder do;
Abstain from words and deeds unclean,
Nor steal, though thou art poor and mean;

4 Nor tell a willful lie, nor love it;
What is thy neighbor's, dare not covet.
These let us keep in word and deed,
And God will bless in time of need;
Then shall we walk in wisdom's ways,
And in God's service spend our days,
Forever keeping in the road
That leads to glory and to God.

Text Information

• First Line: Dear little sister, how d'ye do?
• Title: God, the giver
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1855
• Notes: Dialogue between Martha and Alice.

Tune Information

• Name: GOD, THE GIVER
• Composer: Rev. G. Coles
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: A Major