MELODIES FOR CHILDHOOD. COME HITHER, LITTLE CHRISTIAN. COME hither, little Christian, And hearken unto me! I'll teach thee what the daily life 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, 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 goeth from his chamber, He hath asked to be obedient, If a playmate take his playthings, To snatch them back, but mildly ask, He hath asked to be made holy, To yield his will to others' will, No greedy thoughts dishonor COME HITHER, LITTLE CHRISTIAN. When no human eye can see him, He knoweth God is nigh, And that darkness cannot cover him, Again, when evening cometh, And praise the LORD for blessings given Then, his soul to GoD committing, GOD, and his holy angel hosts Will watch around him keep. GOD bless thee, little Christian! God bless thee, little Christian! I've taught thee what the daily life 9 "OH, LET ME RING THE BELL." A MISSIONARY, far away Was sitting in his home one day When suddenly he heard a rap He was a bright and happy child, And eyes that 'neath their lashes smiled, And glittered like the dew. He held his little form erect, 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." |