The Approach

Summary

That Childish Thoughts such Joys inspire

Doth make my Wonder and his Glory higher;

His Bounty and My Wealth more great;

It shews his Kingdom and his Work compleat,

In which there is not any thing

But what may be improv'd by God my King.

He in our Childhood with us walks,

And with our Thoughts mysteriously He talks;

He often visiteth our Minds,

But cold Acceptance frequently He finds:

We often send Him griev'd away,

Els He would oftner com and longer stay.

O Lord, I wonder at thy Lov

Which did my Infancy so early mov:

But more at that which did forbear

And mov'd so long, tho slighted many a Year:

But most of all, O God, that thou

Shouldst me at last convert I scarce know how.

Thy Gracious Motions oft in vain

Assaulted me: My Heart did hard remain

Long time: I sent my God away

Much griev'd that He could not impart His Joy.

I careless was, nor did regard

The End for which He all these Thoughts prepar'd.

But now with new and open Eys

I see beneath as if abov the Skies:

When I on what is past reflect

His Thoughts and Mine I plainly recollect;

He did aproach me, nay, did woo;

I wonder that my God so much would do.

From Nothing taken first I was:

What wondrous things His Goodness brought to pass!

Now in this World I Him discern,

And what His Dealings with me meant I learn,

He sow'd in me Seeds of Delights

That might grow up to future Benefits.

Of Thoughts His Goodness long before

Prepar'd a precious and celestial Store;

And with such curious Art in-laid,

That Childhood might its self alone be said

My Tutor, Teacher, Guide to be;

Ev'n then instructed by the Deity.