THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES HYMNS AND POEMS LITTLE CHILDREN. from tl)t German, t/ LONDON. 1853. LONDON: GILBERT AND RIVINGTON, PRINTERS, ST. JOHN'S SQUARE. 2V J&emorg OF HER, WHO COMMENCED THE TRANSLATION OF THIS LITTLE BOOK, IT IS NOW DEDICATED, BY HER DAUGHTERS, WITH SISTERLY AFFECTION, TO HER GOD-CHILDREN. 8463G5 PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION (CONTAINING THE FIRST PART ONLY). THE following verses, which are nearly literal translations from hymns and poems in a small G-erman book for the use of children, published at Hamburg, were written without any view to publication, but for the amusement and instruction of the author's children. It has been suggested to her that they may be useful in other nurseries as well as her own ; and she therefore commits them to the press, claiming for them no merit but that of a faithful imitation of the simplicity of the original; and desiring no other success than that of being, in some degree, instrumental in raising the minds of children to the contemplation of the works of their Creator. PREFACE THE SECOND EDITION. THE first part of this little work was published in 1837. Some of the hymns in the second volume of the German book had been translated since from time to time, but without any idea of their appearing in print. Now, however, when it has pleased God to take to Himself her by whom this work was begun, it has been thought that many who knew and valued her might be glad to make her known to their children through the medium of these verses, leading them at the same time to that Heavenly Father about whom she delighted to speak to children, and that others also might find these hymns useful in their nursery libraries. The translation has therefore been completed, viii PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. and is now committed to the press with a humble hope that the blessing of God may rest upon it, and upon the children into whose hands it may fall. CONTENTS. PAET I. PAGE Some of God's Gifts 1 Morning 3 Evening ......... 4 To a Little Sister 6 Child's Prayer for its Sick Mother 7 The Sick Child . 8 The Child Recovered ib. A Wish 9 The Child and its Mamma 10 The World and its Creatures 11 The Child and the Bee 12 The Worm 13 Cora 14 A Walk in Spring ib. A Summer's Day ........ 16 x CONTENTS. PAGE Autumn 17 Winter . . .18 The Birthday ib. Sunday . . .20 New Year's Day 23 Christmas ......... 25 Christ the Great Physician 28 Jesus blesses Little Children 30 " What manner of Man is this, that even the Winds and the Sea obey Him " . . . . . .32 Christ feedeth Five Thousand . .... . .33 The Good Shepherd 35 Christ raiseth the Dead . 36 Where dwells the Gracious Lord . . 38 PAET II. The Sun . . 41 Rain . .42 The Stars . . . . . . - . . . ib. Good Gifts for All 43 Each in its Proper Place . . . . . . ib. God sees and cares for All . .... .44 Bees .45 The Power and Love of God ...... 46 Nothing hid from God . . . . ... -47 CONTENTS. xi PAGE Do not Sin 48 Praise . ib. God's Fatherly Love 49 The Year 50 Sunday .......... 51 The Church Bell ib. Morning ......... 52 Evening . . . . . . . . . ib. Baby in its Cradle 53 Christening Hymn . .54 The Lost Sister : 55 Going to School 56- Making up a Quarrel . . . . . .57 The Bible 58 Morning Prayer ........ 59 Evening Prayer ib. Grace for Meals . 60 Nature's Rivalry 61 Prayer and Praise 63 Birds, Flowers, and Streams 65 God loves to see His Creatures' joy . . . .66 God knows all things 67 Night 69 The Four Seasons 70 Despise no one ........ 72 Praise God in Winter 75 The Child in the Garden 76 Christmas Carols 80 Little Children coming to Jesus 83 Prayer to Jesus 84 ni CONTENTS. PAGE Good Friday . H5 Easter Day 86' Ascension Day Q-J Whit-Sunday 88 Love to Jesus 90 A Little Child's Prayer 91 The Hand of God . . , . . .' . . .92 The Eye of God . . . . . . . .96 The Voice of God . JQO HYMNS AND POEMS. PAET I. of OSfotr'g (ffitftg. Two eyes have I, both bright and clear, Which swift can glance afar and near ; Can mark each flow'ret on the ground, Yet high as heav'n can gaze around : These eyes were gifts from God to me, And His are all things that I see ! Two ears are fastened to my head, With which to hear whate'er is said ; HYMNS AND POEMS To hear Mamma, with tender care, Bid me of evil to beware ; Or dear Papa, in accents mild, Call, " Come to me, my darling child." A mouth, a mouth I have also, Of which I make full use, you know ; "With it I utter each request, By it are all my thoughts exprest ; And I can laugh, and sing, and pray To Grod who hears each word we say. Of hands too, see ! I have a pair, The right is here, the left one there ; On each, five fingers, which can hold My playthings now, till I grow old; Then, when I cease a child to be, I will employ them usefully. Two feet I have, which trot about, When with my parents I go out ; FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. And though in trying far to jump, I sometimes fall, and get a tttdmp ; Tet never mind, I try again, And shall not always try in vain. A heart I have, with which to love Kind friends on earth, and Grod above : And all these blessings, hands, feet, eyes, Ears, mouth, and heart, with all we prize, E'en life itself, full well I know, To God's great goodness all we owe. IKorntng. How joyous I wake to this morning's light, How sweetly I slept all through the past night ! My Father in heaven, all thanks be to Thee, That Thou hast been pleased to watch over me -. Oh ! during this day be near to me still, To guard and defend me from every ill ! B 2 HYMNS AND POEMS GBEAT God, who liv'st above the skies, I now must close my sleepy eyes : "While in my little bed I rest, Oh, let me still by Thee be blest ! Hear, gracious God, whene'er I pray, And o'er me watch both night and day. Thou, gracious God, my parents say, Thou hearest always when we pray ; And e'en a little infant's prayer, Thou wilt not think beneath Thy care : Then, Lord of heaven, to me give heed, And kindly grant me all I need ! OH ! merciful God, Thou art gracious and kind, Thine all-seeing eye never slumbers nor sleeps, Thou bearest Thy people for ever in mind, E'en children in safety Thy Providence keeps ; FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. Vouchsafe, then, with favour, to look upon me, And keep me for ever from all evil free ! Now another day is o'er, I lie down to sleep ; For my little eyes no more Can I open keep. Dear Mamma has cover' d me, Snug and warm to rest, Till the Sun again we see, And I leave my nest. Parents ever good and mild, Guard me through the night, "Watch o'er me, their darling child, Always with delight. But I have, in heav'n above, A kinder Father still, Who, with never-ceasing love, Keeps me safe from ill. HYMNS AND POEMS He doth ne'er His eyelids close, He preserves us all ; Kindly gives us sweet repose, And listens when we call. Gracious Father, now I pray, Deign Thy child to hear : And henceforth, both night and day, Bless my parents dear ! Co a EtttU MY dear little sister, now listen to me, And let us try always how good we can be ; For thus to Papa and Mamma shall we give True pleasure, and comfort, as long as we live. On good little children e'en God loves to look, For so He has said in His own Holy Book ; "When brought to Him here, He embraced them with love, And now watches o'er them from heav'n above ; FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. The angels around Him rejoice with Him too, When children are gentle, and loving, and true. Then, Sister, dear Sister, oh ! listen to me, And let us try, always, how good we can be ! '6 Draper for tt THOU, gracious G-od, who canst do all, Oh ! hearken to an infant's call ; My poor Mamma lies ill in bed, With trembling limbs, and aching head : How could I live without her care ? Then, Heavenly Father, hear my prayer, Give back this dear Mamma to me, That I Thy happy child may be ! 8 HYMNS AND POEMS $e &itk C&tttr. I FEEL very ill, with such pains in my head, I must take bitter medicine, and stay in my bed ; My dearest Mamma, who is grieved at my pain, Has long tried to cure me, but still all in vain : Oh ! Father in heaven, to whom we belong, If it be Thy good will, make me healthy and strong ! Meroberrtr. I THANK Thee, I bless Thee, my Father in heav'n ; Thou hast raised me from bed, and fresh health Thou hast giv'n : When in sickness and pain, to Thee, Lord, I pray'd, Thou heardest my voice, and Thou quickly gav'st aid : Henceforth let me love Thee still more than before, And endeavour to grieve Thy good Spirit no more ! FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. I WISH to be always a good little child, Obedient, and thankful, and docile, and mild ; That so, in return for Mamma's tender love, A comfort and blessing to her I may prove. Then, Lord, send me help, that henceforth I may be, More pure, and more holy, more like unto Thee ! LOED God, can it indeed be true That Thou who seest all we do, Art grieved, whene'er we go astray, And leave the straight and narrow way ? Art Thou so kind, and shall not we T)elight to serve and worship Thee ? Oh ! give me grace to flee from ill, To love Thy name, and do Thy will ! 10 HYMNS AND POEMS *Tijc (Cljt'UJ ,111 tf its CHILD. THE angels in heaven praise God in their songs, And declare that to Him all glory belongs ; And I also should love with them to unite, To praise the Great Giver of Life and of Light ; But He is so mighty, and I am so weak, I scarcely can hope He will hear when I speak. "MAMMA, Oh, fear not, my child! In His Book we may read, How, even to infants, He kindly gives heed, And how Jesus Himself once lived as a child : Be you but like Him, ever lowly and mild, He'll pity your weakness, your failings forgive, And admit you, hereafter, in heaven to live. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 11 CJje SMorftr antf its How various the creatures who dwell on this earth ! And they eacli have their station assign' d ; While all are supplied with fit shelter and food, To provide for the wants of their kind. Each poor tiny mouse, though so helpless and weak, Can prepare for its children a nest ; And finds for them bits of nice sugar or bread, While they warmly and snugly may rest. The dear little birds, whom we see high in air, Or so busily feeding below, In beautiful coats of warm feathers are clothed, To defend them from rain and from snow. 12 HYMNS AND POEMS The slow-creeping worm, and the gay butterfly, Are both furnish' d with all that they need, When the dew-drops they sip, or some green leaf can find, Upon which they contentedly feed. And who is it, then, that with fatherly love, Hath provided that thus it should be ? 'Tis God, who first made, and still watches o'er all; And He doubtless cares also for me ! CHILD. OH ! tell me, busy bee, I pray, Who taught thee thus 'midst flow'rs to stray ? And who prepared the plenteous feast, Which in each fragrant rose thou seest ? FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 13 BEE. The same kind Pow'r, who cares for thee, Cares also for each little bee : He gives us instinct for our guide, And thus are all our wants supplied. Wiovm. BE tender and kind to all things around, And e'en to the worm that crawls on the ground ; Though mean is his dress, and lowly his lot, The great King of kings despises him not : He gave him his life, and watches him still, And wills not that we should e'er treat him ill ; He moistens the earth, that there he may feed, And kindly attends to his every need : Since God, then, provides for his comfort and joy, Oh ! do not you hurt him, my dear little boy ! 14 HYMNS AND POEMS Corn. LOOK here, and tell me, I entreat, What life is in this grain of wheat ? And yet, if buried in the ground, For some few months, it will be found To rise again, and nourish there, Rejoicing in the balmy air ; And grow, and thrive, and bring forth fruit, To praise the Lord, who form'd its root. tn WHO has thus decked the world with flow'rs, All tinged with hues so bright, Of red and yellow, white and blue, To please and charm the sight ? FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 15 Who, in the garden and the field, Creates this rich display ? Where all was once so cold and bare, 'Tis blooming now, and gay. Who is it that has caused the sap Through all the stems to run ? And watered them with morning dews, And warmed them with the sun ? Who is it that has made them thus To rise so sweet and bright, That all mankind, both young and old, In them may take delight ? Who is it, or who could it be, But God, whose love and pow'r Are thus, at each returning Spring, Displayed in ev'ry flow'r ? 16 HYMNS AND POEMS JBap. How joyous all the insects seem, Call'd forth by this bright day ! I wish that I could count them all, As in the sun they play ! Bach cockchafer that hums along, Each crawling worm, poor thing ; And ev'ry painted butterfly, Or bee with loaded wing. One only Being knows them all, And marks their various ways : The whole creation He protects, And Him let all things praise ! FOR LITTLE CHILDREN 17 Autumn. POOR little tree, I grieve for thee ! Alas, how fast Thy youth is past, And faded all thy leaves I see ! Upon the ground They're strewed around ; For cold the autumn winds do blow, And lay thy withered foliage low. But cheer thee up, my little tree ! Though desolate Is now thy state, This gloomy season quick will flee : Then, changed the scene, Fresh robes of green, The wondrous hand of God shall bring, To deck thee out another spring. 18 HYMNS AND POEMS WHnttr. OH ! where are all the flowers gone ? In earth they slumber ev'ry one ; There in soft beds of snow they lie : Disturb them not, ye passers-by ! The new year comes with sunny ray, And Grod walks forth in glorious day ; Hastens their icy chains to break, And calls, "Ye children, all awake!" Then quick their little heads arise, And at His word they ope their eyes. GBACIOUS Lord, my friends have brought Kindly gifts, of all they thought FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 19 Would, on my birthday, please me best : Thy love is greater, well I know, Than that of all my friends below : May I from Thee some gift request ? Lord of all, give me, I pray, Now, and ev'ry future day, Whate'er Thou know'st is good for me : Let me be Thy faithful child, Like Thy angels, good and mild, And evermore find grace with Thee ! Grant my parents length of days, Bless and prosper all their ways, And crown them still with happiness : Watch them from Thy throne above, Guard them with Thy tender love, And cause them still their child to bless. c 2 29 HYMNS AND POEMS THIS is Sunday, day of joy, 3Tor the mother, and her boy. When the early bells do ring, Dear Mamma does then repair To the church you see out there, Where they pray, and where they sing ; Where the Word of God they hear, Learn how gracious Christ has been. How He died to save from sin All who love, and count Him dear. From my window soon I look, Dear Mamma's return to see : Then she takes me on her knee, Teaches me to love God's Book ; FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 21 Tells me of some great command, Which in church she may have heard ; Or from God's own Holy Word, Reads what I can understand. Oh, what joy it is to hear, All Mamma thus teaches me ! And 'tis joy to her to see, How I lend a willing ear. Happy Sunday, day of joy, To the mother, and her boy ! Six tedious days of ev'ry week, Papa, with busy cares opprest, Can hardly find a moment's rest ; And scarce a single word can speak To his poor child, or snatch a kiss, For fear some duty he should miss. 22 HYMNS AND POEMS On happy Sunday rests my hope, Through all the other dreary days : That morning, with the sun's first rays, I quick my little eyes do ope, From the pillow lift my head, And run to rouse Papa from bed. He leads me, then, through meadows green, Some pleasant walk o'er hill and dale, Through shady wood, or smiling vale ; And calls to mind how each gay scene Was shapeless, once, and dark as night, Until God spake, " Let there be Light !" Oh ! Sunday, best and holiest day, I love thee more than I can tell : When, wakened by thy sacred bell, I hear my dearest mother say : " This is the Sabbath of the Lord," My heart rejoices at the word. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 23 I AM too young, and must not go To church, with friends and parents dear ; But left behind, with looks of woe, I watch them from the window here : Cheerful and happy they depart, And I remain with heavy heart. My comfort is that I shall grow ; I shall not always be too young, But soon shall with the others go ; Then I shall hear what hymns are sung, Shall read of Christ's redeeming love, And learn the will of God above. ANOTHER year is now begun ; Another gift from God above : How many years their course have run, Since first He view'd mankind with love ! 24 HYMNS AND POEMS And still He watches us with care, Forsakes us not although we stray ; But listens to each humble prayer, And leads us back to wisdom's way. From Him do all good gifts descend ; And ever, from His glorious Throne, He looks on children as a friend, And marks the lowly for His own. Through this, as through each by-gone year, Great God, protect me, I entreat ; Oh ! let me still to Thee be dear, And in Thy paths uphold my feet. TIME passes on ; year follows year, And still in turn they disappear : God's Patience stands through ages past ; "While all things change, it still shall last : His faithful Eyes, which never close, Watch o'er me through each night's repose ; FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 25 His Love attends me through each day, And gilds more bright joy's happiest ray : 'Tis His Almighty Hand sustains Sun, moon, and stars, with all their trains ; And I, though mean, His kindness share, He guards me with a Father's care. OF all the seasons on this earth, For heartfelt glee, and cheerful mirth, More fitting e'en than smiling May, Is loved and hallowed Christmas day. To old and young, afar and near, The happiest in each circling year, That day our Lord Himself has made : Therein be thankful joy displayed ! For know, that once on Christmas morn, A Holy, Blessed Babe was born : HYMNS AND POEMS Oh ! hear ye this, both great and small ; That Babe was Christ, the Lord of all ! From heav'n His Love to us descends, A gracious look on us He bends ; And all who once that Love have known, "Will faithful cleave to Him alone. When from His heav'nly Throne He came, To save all those who love His Name, His birth-place was a humble shed, A manger formed His lowly bed. Think well on this, ye proud on earth, Nor boast yourselves of lordly birth ; The Mighty Lord, whom worlds obey'd, "Was meanly in a stable laid ! Then was there seen to shine afar, In heav'n, a new-created star ; It rises through the gloom of night, More brilliant than the noon-tide light. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 27 A joyous song is heard on high, Eesounding through the cloudless sky : " On earth below, and heav'n above, Oh, praise the Lord, for His great love !" The angel hosts to shepherds bring The tidings of the new-born King, And thus proclaim the wondrous birth, That gives Salvation to the earth. " The precious infant, Christ, is born ; Blessings He brings to men forlorn ; He loves them all with heartfelt love, And showers gifts from heav'n above." Quickly the joyful news extends, Through happy groups of list'ning friends ; The sick who hear forget their pain, And hail their Blest Redeemer's reign. From parent, child, or brother dear, All eager press the words to hear, HYMNS AND POEMS And learn how Jesus, by His birth, Has brought Forgiveness down to earth. Oh, Thou ! who, once Thyself a Child, On all mankind in goodness smiled ; Still deign to be the children's Friend, And to our hearts Thy Spirit send ! Take from us grief, and pain, and woe, And cheerful pious hearts bestow ; Keep us on earth both good and pure, And make our path to heav'n secure. tlit C&reat To Judah's land a Holy Man once came, And wide o'er distant nations spread His fame. Where'er He went,before Him straight were brought, Those who were grieved in body or in soul ; His aid the sick, the blind and lame, all sought, And eagerly they cried : " Lord, make us whole !" FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 2,') Nor e'er did He refuse such cries to hear ; But, quickly moved with tender sympathy, Would thus, in tender accents, calm each fear : " If you believe, your pray'r shall granted be !" E'en while He spake, the blind received their sight, The sick and maim'd were raised to health again, And cripples walk'd, endued with sudden might ; Of all who ask'd His help, none ask'd in vain. Then burst from all the song of praise and love : The wondrous Pow'r that thus all evils heal'd, They know could only come from God above ; And Jesus Christ the Saviour stands reveal' d ! And still through distant nations spreads His fame ; From age to age still hallow' d is His Name. 30 HYMNS AND POEMS $e$ug friezes Efttle CHBTST is so good, He joys to hear, And grant each humble meek request, That rises from a heart distrest : To all He lends a gracious ear ; E'en children, little though they be, Are welcomed, when to Him they flee. Behold the scene, when here below, Closely the crowd His steps pursue, While feeble women, struggling through, Into His presence fain would go, And eagerly their children bring, To dedicate to Christ their King. Each mother, anxious to obtain A blessing for her darling child, Implores, with looks and accents wild, Leave to approach ; but all in vain : No passage will the throng afford, And chide their wish to reach their Lord. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 31 But hark ! His voice is heard aloud ! He marked their efforts all the while, "Watched o'er them with a gracious smile, And thus reproves th' opposing crowd : " Oh ! let the children come to Me ; Theirs shall the Heav'nly Kingdom be." Close to His heart He press' d them all, In gentle words pronounced them blest, Beneath His love He bade them rest, And fear no harm that might befall. Oh, then, how full of joy were they, Nor e'er did they forget that day ! My dear Mamma, how much I long, Like them, to be to Jesus dear ! Oh ! teach me how to please Him here, To shun each act or thought of wrong, That He may bless me with His love, And let me live with Him above ! 32 HYMNS AND POEMS iJ Ilfmt manner of jttan ts tins, tfiat rbr n tfir anlr tfje g>ea ofceg f^tnt." MATT. viii. 27. WILD roars the wind, the waves rise high, But yet the Lord is higher still ; They ne'er can work me any ill, While guarded by His watchful eye. Once on the sea did Christ embark, And, worn with care, He fell asleep : Fierce storms arose ; the furious deep Tossed o'er the boat its billows dark. The poor disciples, sore dismayed, Deem that they surely there must die : " Save, Lord, we perish ! " then they cry ; And quick He rises to their aid. Ever in danger prompt to save, He raised His hand, and spoke His will ; The winds were hushed, the sea was still, The bark glides smoothly on the wave. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 33 I too, if danger should be near, "Will quickly to the Lord repair, And humbly beg His gracious care : So shall I no misfortunes fear. Cfcrfet tetlftfy dftbc KINDLY do mothers all provide Bread for each child, their joy and pride ! And fathers still their wants relieve, Lest cold or hunger make them grieve. But more than any father can, Far more than e'en the richest man, Will Grod the Lord on His bestow ; Tea, all that they can want below. Christ in the Desert fixed His seat ; There full five thousand round Him meet, D 34 HYMNS AND POEMS And gladly from His lips is heard The Heavenly Truth, the healing "Word. Little they heed the waning light, Nor think how soon will come the night Near Him, their wants are all forgot ; They fast, and yet they hunger not. But He has thought upon their need, And shown His thoughtfulness indeed ; He knows that they are far from home, Nor wills that hungry they should roam. Five loaves they have, a scanty store, Yet wished He not that it were more : Power and strength are in His hand, And wonders follow His command. See where for crowds the table's spread, To all He portions out the bread ; All eat, and all are satisfied, "With the rich gifts His cares provide. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. Now see, as fades the failing day, Forth the five thousand wend their way, And long they think of Him with praise, And thankful songs to Him they raise. SINCE Thou, my Saviour and my God, As a good Shepherd, deign' st to say, That Thou wilt guide us with Thy rod, And watch Thy flock, lest any stray ; To be Thy lamb I should rejoice ; Thee will I gladly follow still, Will always hearken to Thy Voice, And ever keep Thy Holy Will, Then Christ, my Shepherd and my Gruide, Will always love and care for me ; For all my wants He will provide, And lead me through Eternity I D 2 36 HYMNS AND POEMS fet rafeetj) tyt WHOE'EB goes mourning on his way, To Christ his Saviour let him pray : Though fast his tears might fall before, His Lord will cause him weep no more. Behold, from out the gates of N~ain, Slowly advance a funeral train ! Extended on the bier, is borne A youth, cut off in life's gay morn. His mother follows, full of woe, Such as fond mothers only know : Alas ! he was her sole support ; Why were his days so few and short ? Her pitying neighbours share her grief, But vainly strive to give relief: She looks on him within his bier, And faster flows each bitter tear. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 37 But help is nigh ; for now appears, One, who has power to dry all tears ; Willing to cheer all those that droop, Christ Jesus meets the mourning group. He, who when all of life is fled, Can, by a word, revive the dead, Pities the widowed mother's lot, And comfort thus He gives : " "Weep not !" The bearers pause at His command, While Jesus takes the youth's cold hand, And thus, in words of might, He cries, " Young man, awake ! I bid thee rise !" Thus raised from death's short sleep, our Lord To her fond arms her son restored : Then did the mother's heart rejoice, Then rose to Grod her grateful voice. And still let us our voices raise, Let all men loudly sing His praise ! 38 HYMNS AND POEMS Our Saviour is all Goodness still, And great His wonder-working will. Beneath the stroke of want or pain, We shall not sink, if He sustain ; His Hand from death itself will save, And make us triumph o'er the grave. WHEBE dwells the gracious Lord ? Look upwards to the clear blue sky, Which through long ages firm doth stand, And spreads abroad an arch so grand, Beyond what man can e'er descry : Then view the stars which brightly shine, Like windows in the House Divine. There dwells the Gracious Lord above, And thence He rules the world in Love, And watches with a Father's care, O'er all who raise to Him their prayer. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. Where dwells the gracious Lord ? "Walk forth within that forest drear, And mark the rocks like columns high, Mountains that seem to touch the sky, And trees that giant-like appear. List ! where the rustling breeze doth come, List ! to the distant valley's hum ; Thy heart will beat, thou'lt feel full well, That there the gracious Grod doth dwell : His presence there thou canst not see, But 'tis His breath that blows o'er thee. Where dwells the gracious Lord ? Hear'st thou the bells with silver chime, That call thee to the House of Prayer ? What solemn stillness reigneth there ! How sweet and joyful, yet sublime ! What songs of praise from thence arise, The grateful heart's pure sacrifice! 40 HYMNS AND POEMS FOR CHILDREN. It is because the Lord dwells there, That people flock from far and near, Humbly His Throne to bow before, To pray, to praise,jand to adore. Where dwells the gracious Lord ? His Home is in the Eealms of Space ; Yet should it please our Maker well, Within the smallest nook to dwell, There will He fix His resting-place. Small is, indeed, the human breast, Yet God within vouchsafes to rest : Oh ! keep thy heart, then, pure from sin, So will our God abide therein, With heav'nly joys His dwelling store, And never, never leave it more. PART II. As parents watch o'er all their children dear, So the sun shines on all both far and near ; His children are each bird, and beast, and flower, And even man, in all his pride and power : For Grod has placed the sun on high in heaven, To warm all those to whom He life has given, And still unwearied at his post he's found, Nor e'er neglects his duty's daily round. 42 HYMNS AND POEMS GOD knows each tree and herb, By Him they all were made, And when oppressed with heat He sees them droop and fade, With a kind Father's care, He sends the gentle rain, Revives their leaves, and cheers And freshens them again. WHEN the Stars are shining from heaven so bright, It seems as though angels look'd down from the height, And bent o'er us children with love and good- will, And rejoiced in our slumbers, so sound and so still. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 43 (Soolf <&itte for all. To keep him quite snug the snail has a house, A smooth silky coat clothes the wee little mouse, "With feathers each sparrow's as warm as they, And the butterfly's down is both soft and gay. JS"ow tell me, my dear, what comforts have you ? I've stockings and shoes, and warm petticoats too ; And father and mother, and life, health, and joy ; All these God has given to me, happy boy ! in its proper You ask me why the birds have wings ? Because it pleased the King of kings. On earth are placed both beasts and men, Who play and work, and play again ; They through the land roam here and there ; The birds Grod made to dwell in air, 44 HYMNS AND POEMS He gave them therefore wings to fly And hover in the bright blue sky ; There they may sport the livelong day, And freely flutter, safe and gay. (&otf geeg antr tares for BIEDS that frolic through the air, Flowers sweet that look so fair, Butterflies that gaily soar, Sheep that graze the meadows o'er, Trees and shrubs in forest green, Where the stags and deer are seen : G-od doth all at once survey, Feeds and guards them night and day. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 45 THE little bees do roam "Working so busy all the day, And still unwearied wing their way To bring the honey home. And who has told them then Where they may find this precious food, For them and you and all so good ? They were not taught by men. That God alone could do. He stores the food within the flower, And gives the bees the skill and power To fetch it home for you. 46 HYMNS AND POEMS $3ofoer antr 3Lobe of (&oti. DEEP is the sea and wide earth's round ; But wider than the earth's vast bound, And deeper than the depths untrod The "Wisdom, Love, and Power of God. The little fish that careless swim Are known and watched and fed by Him ; The meanest in His bounty share, And none could live without His care. When furious billows rear their head, Filling the seaman's heart with dread, God speaks the word, the storm subsides, And safe each vessel homeward glides. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 47 fcfo from THE lark carols clear in the bright blue sky A hymn to the Lord of all, "Who looks down from His glorious throne on high, Well pleased with her lowly call. The fish in the sea, though dumb they be, Show forth their Creator's praise, As they dart about in their sportive glee, Though no words of song they raise. For the Lord can hear every word and tone, Of sorrow, or joy, or love ; And without a word, every thought is known To Him, on His throne above. 48 HYMNS AND POEMS 33o not Do not wrong by day or night ! 'Tis not hid from Jesus' sight : He from heaven looks on us all, On the great and on the small, And the night to Him is light. Though Mamma be far away, He is near you all the day : When you act a naughty part You grieve your loving Saviour's heart. Oh ! beware of this, I pray ! To Thee, my Grod and King, I'll raise The frequent hymn of grateful praise ; For Thou, who reign' st in Heaven above, Wilt not despise my humble love . FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 49 The angel hosts with loud acclaim, From world to world, declare Thy Name ; Yet Thou, all glorious God and King, Art pleased that babes Thy praise should sing. Eobe. FBOM the glorious heav'n above, Where the angels are, God looks on each child with love, And with tender care ; Listens always to their prayer, Guards them night and day, And, with all a Father's care, Guides them in the way ; With a Father's bounteous hand Gives them daily food ; 50 HYMNS AND POEMS Helps them when in need they stand, Filling them with good. This to all dear children tell ; You've a Father kind, Who will ever love you well, And keep you all in mind. TWELVE months has the year, And its days, Oh ! I fear, You can't undertake Their reck'ning to make ! Think then, and with praise, How, through each of these days, God has still been your friend, Bidding angels attend, From all ill to defend. FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 51 JNtrtrag. G-OD from heaven thus did speak : " Seven days are in the week : Six of them to you I give, Labour then that you may live. But the Sunday is mine own ; Then do no works but these alone ; To serve, and praise, and honour Me, And good and pious learn to be." Remember, dearest child, always, "What God the Lord of Sunday says. BELL, with solemn earnest sound, Echoing all the city round, Far and near thou seem'st to say : " Hark ! it is the Lord's own Day ; Come then, come to Church and pray." Bell, I love thy hallo w'd voice, And at the blessed sound rejoice. E 2 52 HYMNS AND POEMS WHEN G-od's command o'er all the skies Bids dawning daylight fresh arise, How gay and bright all nature seems : The sky is decked with rosy beams, The trees adorned with glittering drops ; The breeze plays o'er the mountain tops ; The birds arise and blithely sing ; The lambkins skip with joyous spring ; And ev'ry blade is gemmed with dew. Come, child, and all these beauties view, And love the Lord, and trust Him too.