MELODIES

FOR

CHILDHOOD.

COME HITHER, LITTLE CHRISTIAN.

COME hither, little Christian,

And hearken unto me!

I'll teach thee what the daily life
Of a Christian child should be.

When a Christian child awaketh,

He should think of GOD in Heaven; And softly say, "I thank Thee, LORD, For the sleep which Thou hast given."

He must say, when he ariseth,
"From evil and from harm
Defend Thy little child, O LORD,
With Thine everlasting arm."

He reverently kneeleth

To pray beside his bed:

With closed eyes and humble voice,

His holy prayers are said:

And, as he thus approacheth

The GOD of Heaven above,
He looketh down, and smileth on
This little child in love.

He goeth from his chamber,
To his work, or to his play;
But the prayers that he hath prayed,
He must keep in mind all day.

He hath asked to be obedient,
And so he must fulfil
His parents' bidding cheerfully,
With a glad mind and will.

If a playmate take his playthings,
He must not rudely try

To snatch them back, but mildly ask,
Or meekly pass them by.

He hath asked to be made holy,
So he must strive all day

To yield his will to others' will,
His way to others' way.

No greedy thoughts dishonor
The Christian child at meals;
He eateth what God giveth him,
And ever thankful feels.

COME HITHER, LITTLE CHRISTIAN.

When no human eye can see him,

He knoweth God is nigh,

And that darkness cannot cover him,
From His all-seeing eye.

Again, when evening cometh,
The Christian child will pray,

And praise the LORD for blessings given
To him throughout the day.

Then, his soul to GoD committing,
He quietly may sleep;

GOD, and his holy angel hosts

Will watch around him keep.

GOD bless thee, little Christian!
Be holy, humble, mild,
Obedient, truthful, diligent-
A truly Christian child.

God bless thee, little Christian!
And bid thou God bless me!

I've taught thee what the daily life
Of a Christian child should be.

9

"OH, LET ME RING THE BELL."

A MISSIONARY, far away
Beyond the Southern Sea,

Was sitting in his home one day
With Bible on his knee.

When suddenly he heard a rap
Upon the chamber door,
And opening, there stood a boy
Of some ten years or more.

He was a bright and happy child,
With cheeks of ruddy hue,

And eyes that 'neath their lashes smiled,

And glittered like the dew.

He held his little form erect,
In boyish sturdiness,

But on his lip you could detect

Traces of gentleness.

"Dear sir," he said, in native tongue,

"I do so want to know,

If something for the house of God

You'll kindly let me do."