{"id":547,"date":"2026-01-28T00:05:03","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T00:05:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/?p=547"},"modified":"2026-03-28T18:35:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T18:35:30","slug":"a-poem-for-children-with-thoughts-on-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/?p=547","title":{"rendered":"A Poem for Children with Thoughts on\u00a0Death"},"content":{"rendered":"

“A Poem for Chil<\/span>d<\/span>ren with Thoughts on\u00a0<\/span>D<\/span>eath” (1782) <\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

by Jupiter Hammon<\/p>\n

This piece was written as a moral guide for young people. Like much of his work, it focuses on spiritual preparation, the afterlife, and the importance of faith. It is one of the most approachable of Hammon\u2019s writings for students today, especially for discussing how religion shaped the lives of African Americans during this era.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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I
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
O Ye young and thoughtless youth,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Come seek the living God,<\/div>\n
The scriptures are a sacred truth,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Ye must believe the word.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eccl. xii. 1.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 II
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Tis God alone can make you wise,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 His wisdom\u2019s from above,<\/div>\n
He fills the soul with sweet supplies<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 By his redeeming love.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Prov. iv. 7.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0III<\/em><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Remember youth the time is short,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Improve the present day<\/div>\n
And pray that God may guide your thoughts,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And teach your lips to pray.<\/div>\n
\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Psalm xxx. 9.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 IV
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
To pray unto the most high God,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And beg restraining grace,<\/div>\n
Then by the power of his word<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 You\u2019l see the Saviour\u2019s face.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0V<\/em><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Little children they may die,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Turn to their native dust,<\/div>\n
Their souls shall leap beyond the skies,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And live among the just.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0VI
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Like little worms they turn and crawl,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And gasp for every breath.<\/div>\n
The blessed Jesus sends his call,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And takes them to his rest.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0VII
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Thus the youth are born to die,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 The time is hastening on,<\/div>\n
The Blessed Jesus rends the sky,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And makes his power known.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Psalm ciii. 15.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 VIII
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Then ye shall hear the angels sing<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 The trumpet give a sound,<\/div>\n
Glory, glory to our King,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 The Saviour\u2019s coming down.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Matth. xxvi. 64.<\/em><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0IX
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Start ye saints from dusty beds,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And hear a Saviour call,<\/div>\n
Twas a Jesus Chirst that died and bled,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And thus preserv\u2019d thy soul.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0X
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
This the portion of the just,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Who lov\u2019d to serve the Lord,<\/div>\n
Their bodies starting from the dust,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Shall rest upon their God.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0XI
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
They shall join that holy word,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 That angels constant sing,<\/div>\n
Glory, glory to the Lord,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Hallelujahs to our King.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0XII
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Thus the Saviour will appear,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 With guards of heavenly host,<\/div>\n
Those blessed Saints, shall then declare,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Tis Father, Son and Holy Ghost.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Rev. i. 7, 8.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0XIII
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Then shall ye hear the trumpet sound,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 The graves give up their dead,<\/div>\n
Those blessed saints shall quick awake,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And leave their dusty beds.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Matth. xxvii. 51, 52.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 XIV
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Then shall you hear the trumpet sound,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And rend the native sky,<\/div>\n
Those bodies starting from the ground,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 In the twinkling of an eye.<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0I Cor. xv. 51, 52, 53, 54.
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 XV
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
There to sing the praise of God,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 And join the angelic train,<\/div>\n
And by the power of his word,<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Unite together again.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0XVI
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Where angels stand for to admit<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Their souls at the first word,<\/div>\n
Cast sceptres down at Jesus feet<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Crying holy holy Lord.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0XVII
\n<\/em><\/div>\n
Now glory be unto our God<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 All praise be justly given,<\/div>\n
Ye humble souls that love the Lord<\/div>\n
\u00a0\u00a0 Come seek the joys of Heaven.<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n <\/p>\n
Hartford, January 1, 1782.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 \n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Public domain. Source: A Poem for Children with Thoughts on Death, Poetry Foundation<\/a><\/pre>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
“A Poem for Children with Thoughts on\u00a0Death” (1782) by Jupiter Hammon This piece was written as a moral guide for young people. Like much of his work, it focuses on spiritual preparation, the afterlife, and the importance of faith. It is one of the most approachable of Hammon\u2019s writings for students today, especially for discussing … Continue reading A Poem for Children with Thoughts on\u00a0Death<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[32,31,48],"class_list":["post-547","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-jupiter-hammon","tag-poem","tag-poetry","tag-religious-belief"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/547","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=547"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/547\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hartfordlit.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}