10 Little Christians

10 little Christians standing in line.
1 disliked the preacher, then there were 9.

9 little Christians stayed up very late.
1 overslept Sunday, then there were 8.

8 little Christians on their way to Heaven.
1 took the low road and then there were 7.

7 little Christians chirping like chicks.
1 disliked music, then there were 6.

6 little Christians seemed very much alive,
but one lost his interest then there was 5.

5 little Christians pulling for Heaven's Shore,
but one stopped to rest, then there were 4

4 little Christians each busy as a bee.
1 got his feelings hurt, then there were 3

3 little Christians knew not what to do.
1 joined the sporty crowd, then there were 2

2 little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
differed with each other, then there was 1

1 little Christian can't do much 'tis true,
brought his friend to bible study, then there were 2

2 earnest Christians, each won one more.
That doubled the number, then there were 4

4 sincere Christians worked early and late.
Each won another then there were 8

8 splendid Christians if they doubled as before.
In just so many Sundays, we'd have 1,024

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true,
you belong either to the building or to the wrecking crew!