So the little coral workers,
By their slow, but constant, motion,
Have built those pretty islands
In the distant, dark blue ocean;
And the noblest undertakings
Man’s wisdom hath conceived,
By oft-repeated efforts
Have been patiently achieved.
NEVER, MY CHILD, FORGET TO PRAY.
Never, my child, forget to pray,
Whate’er the business of the day;
If happy dreams have blessed thy sleep,
Or startling fears have made thee weep.
With holy thoughts begin the day,
And ne’er, my child, forget to pray;
Ask Him, by whom the birds are fed,
To give to thee thy daily bread.
If wealth her bounty should bestow,
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow;
If He, who gave, should take away,
Never, my child, forget to pray.
The time will come, when thou wilt miss
A father’s and a mother’s kiss;
And then, my child, perchance thou’lt see,
Some who, in prayer, ne’er bend the knee;
From such examples turn away,
And ne’er, my child, forget to pray.
THE CHILD’S PRAYER.
I am a very little child,
Yet God, who dwells above,
Will hear me, if I rightly pray,
And answer me in love.
Heavenly Father! wilt thou bless
My father and my mother;
And also bless my sister dear;
And bless my baby brother.
Forgive me, if I’ve been to-day
A very naughty child;
And teach me how I may become
A boy both good and mild.