Oh, lovely sight to see
the flowers of youth —
In all the flush and pride
of beauty tending,
(Like the young sunflower to the Day—
God bending)
Push toward the Sun of Righteousness
and Truth.
A heart unsullied by the stains of time,
Unburdened by the sins
of many years,
An offering far more meet to God
appears
Than one that hath grown hoar with
guilt and crime.
O! deem not that the Holy One
and pure
Loves most the homage of
the darkest heart!
Mercy to aged penitents is sure,
For all shall live who from their sins
depart:
