Before Their Going to Work

Let us go forth, 'tis God commands;
Let us make haste away;
Offer to Christ our hearts and hands:
We work for Christ to-day.

When He vouchsafes our hands to use,
It makes the labour sweet;
If any now to work refuse,
Let not the sluggard eat.

Who would not do what God ordains,
And promises to bless?
Who would not 'scape the toil and pains
Of sinful idleness?

In vain to Christ the slothful pray:
We have not learn'd Him so:
No; for He calls Himself the Way
And work'd Himself below.

Then let us in His footsteps tread,
And gladly act our part;
On earth employ our hands and head.
But give Him all our heart.