SIT down by the side of your mother, my boy,
You have only a moment I know;
But you will stay 'till I give you my parting advice,
'Tis all that I have to bestow.

You leave us to seek for employment, my boy,
By the world you have yet to be tried;
But in all the temptations and struggles you meet,
May your heart in your Savior confide.

Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,
Wherever your footsteps may roam,
Oh, forsake lot the way of salvation, my boy,
That you learned from your mother at home

You'll find in your satchel a Bible, my boy,
'Tis a book of all others the best;
It will teach you to live, and help you to die,
And lead to the gates of the blest.

I gave you to God, in your cradle, my boy,
I have taught you the best that I know;
And as long as his mercy permits me to live,
I shall never cease praying for you.

Your father is coming to bid you good-by,
Oh, how lonely and sad we shall be;
But when from the scenes of your childhood and youth,
You'll think of your father and me.

I want you to feel every word I have said,
For it comes from the depths of my love;
And, my boy, if we never behold you on earth,
Will you promise to meet us above!