Scripture Verse

Behold, now is the accepted time. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 717. Ad­dress to Youth.

Music: Pi­a­cen­za, ano­ny­mous, 1874. Ap­peared in Songs of Glo­ry, ed­it­ed by James H. Fill­more (Cin­cin­na­ti, Ohio: Fill­more Bro­thers, 1874, page 79 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know the com­pos­er, or where to get a good pic­ture of him or Bed­dome (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Amidst the cheerful bloom of youth,
With ardent zeal pursue
The ways of piety and truth,
With death and Heaven in view.

Fair wisdom’s paths with sweets are strewed,
And pleasures all refined;
There joys divine are shed abroad,
That suit th’immortal mind.

Youth is the most accepted time,
To love and serve the Lord;
A flower presented in its prime,
Will much delight afford.

He’ll crown with peace your rising years,
And make your fruit increase;
Will guide you through this vale of tears,
And bid your sorrows cease.

Give Him the morning of your days,
And be for ever blessed;
’Tis none but those in wisdom’s ways
Enjoy substantial rest.