667. L. M. W. Boston Coll.

Dedication of Children.

1This child we dedicate to thee,

O God of grace and purity;

Shield it from sin and threatening wrong,

And let thy love its life prolong.

2O, may thy Spirit gently draw

Its willing soul to keep thy law;

May virtue, piety and truth

Dawn even with its dawning youth.

3Grant that, with true and faithful heart,

We too may act the Christian's part,

Cheered by each promise thou hast given,

And laboring for the prize in heaven.

Children commended to Christ.

1Saviour, who thy flock art feeding

With the shepherd's kindest care,

All the feeble gently leading,

While the lambs thy bosom share,--

2Now, these little ones receiving,

Fold them in thy gracious arm;

There, we know--thy word believing,--

Only there, secure from harm.

3Never, from thy pasture roving,

Let them be the lion's prey;

Let thy tenderness, so loving,

Keep them all life's dangerous way.

4Then within thy fold eternal

Let them find a resting-place;

Feed in pastures ever vernal,

Drink the rivers of thy grace.