"OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS."
"From the mouths of babes and sucklings,"
Was the Psalmist's grateful word,
"Thou hast perfected Thy praises,"
And I thank Thee, gracious Lord.
And e'en yet from infant voices
Words of wondrous meaning fall,
And the Christian's heart rejoices,
For he knows his Father's call.
Little Annie sat beside me,
Smiles upon her baby face;
Early sorrow, early suffering,
On her cheek had left their trace.
Little feet, too weak to wander
Where the merry children play;
'Neath the flickering aspen shadows,
By broad Quinte's sunny bay.
Thoughts of pitying love came thronging
As I thought how Jesus came;
How He blessed the little children,
How He healed the sick and lame.
So I asked the little maiden,
"Annie, Jesus cares for you—
If we saw Him now beside us,
Can you think what He would do?"
Strangely solemn, seemed the answer,
(Listen, sisters o'er the sea);
"Jesus, just to you would give me,
And would bid you care for me."
English sisters, rich and gifted!
Ask your hearts, Can this be true?
Christ hath many a homeless orphan,
Is He saying this to you?
"Take this child and nurse it for Me?"
Will you dare to say Him nay?
Dare to let His children perish,
Or in evil paths to stray?
If too stately are your dwellings,
Send them hither, let them come;
In our fair Canadian homesteads,
Gladly we will make them room.
Room where orchard boughs are dropping
Fruit that waits their hands to pull;
Room to rest, and room to labour,
Room in home, in church, in school.
When the winter snow lies sparkling,
They shall share our winter joys,
Tinkling bells and merry sleigh-ride,
With our laughing girls and boys.
When our maple pours its nectar,
They shall share the luscious treat;
Where the woodland strawb'ries cluster,
Glad shall stray their little feet.
When our Sabbath-scholars gather,
They shall join the joyous throng;
Sweet will sound their English voices,
'Mid the burst of children's song.
Sisters, shall we share the blessing?
Bring the lambs to Jesu's fold?
Ours are homes of peace and plenty,
To your hands He gives the gold.