Scripture Verse

From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise. Matthew 21:16

Introduction

portrait
Mary M. Dodge
1831–1905

Words: Ma­ry M. Dodge, in Ba­by Days: A Se­lect­ion of Songs, Stor­ies, and Pic­tures, for Ve­ry Lit­tle Folks, 1877.

Music: Thanks­giv­ing (Bass­ford) Will­iam K. Bass­ford, cir­ca 1886 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Bass­ford, would you ?

portrait
William K. Bassford
1839–1902

Lyrics

Can a little child like me
Thank the Father fittingly?
Yes, oh yes! be good and true,
Faithful, kind, in all you do;
Love the Lord, and do your part;
Learn to say with all your heart,

Father, we thank Thee,
Father, we thank Thee,
Father in Heaven, we thank Thee.

For the fruit upon the tree
For the birds that sing of Thee,
For the earth in beauty dressed,
Father, mother, and the rest,
For Thy precious, loving care,
For Thy bounty everywhere,

Refrain

For the sunshine warm and bright,
For the day and for the night,
For the lessons of our youth—
Honor, gratitude and truth,
For the love that met us here,
For the home and for the cheer,

Refrain

For our comrades and our plays,
And our happy holidays,
For the joyful work and true
That a little child might do,
For our lives but just begun,
For the great gift of Thy Son,

Refrain