HYMNS. www MOTHER AND CHILD. AN INTRODUCTORY PIECE. My mother, dear, I've heard you say Tell me about it now, I pray, Whilst I am gazing on your face. How sweet you smile,-a pretty smile Oh let it rest there all the while My little child, how can I tell The wonders you desire to know; All things that bright in heaven dwell Are dimly seen by us below. Have you not in the garden known, Of that pure world our thoughts are dim, And as the shadow to the rose, Or rather to the sunny beam Which round about so brightly glows. When, little Charles, your brother died, When you in bed were sick and ill, And thought you could not rise again, What pains and sorrows did you feel : In heaven there is no grief nor pain! When you and sister Lucy fought, A thing that fill'd me with surprise, How happy are you when you play Sometimes you've felt exceeding hot, You love me, and your father too, How great a father He must be Who made ten thousand worlds afar, Which in the purple night we see, Each shining as a lovely star. He made this earth on which we live, And fill'd with all things fair and bright; He made the sun and moon, that give Such beautiful and cheering light. He made the shrubs, the flowers, the trees, He sends the wind, or gentle breeze, He gives the food by which we live, How very kind so much to give. Let us for Him our days employ. How good a father He must be; He sent His Son from heaven to die, To save us from great misery, And raise our sinful souls on high; To take us to that happy home- But fair and shining angels dwell. God's bright eternal throne is there, The beauty of those rich domains. Within that sweet and glorious place Pure spirits crowd in happy throngs, And tell their gratitude in songs. My mother, Oh! my mother, dear, Live happy, under God's bright reign. My child, 'tis God alone can give With grace and strength that you may live Ask-and he will your wants supply, Pray strongly-He will sin forgive; He'll take you up in heaven to live. HYMN FOR CHRISTIAN PARENTS, ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. Farewell! dear child, a long farewell! For we shall meet no more Till we are raised, with thee to dwell Where troubles must be o'er. Our child, our lovely child is dead! The cold and lifeless clay Has made in dust its silent bed; And there it must decay. C.M. |