God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Words: Randall H. Ballantyne, Pasture for Lambs (Edinburgh, Scotland: John Johnstone, 1849), pages 11–12.
Music: El Niño Solomon W. Straub, Bright Light (Chicago, Illinois: S. W. Straub, 1893), page 177 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Ballantyne or Straub (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
I am a little child, ’tis true,
Yet something surely I may do
To make the Savior known;
In love He has redeemed my soul,
He found me sick, He made me whole,
And sealed me for His own.
And can I see the heathen die,
And use no means to bring them nigh,
Nor Gospel message send?
Can I enjoy my Father’s smile,
And never think that, all the while,
They have no Savior friend?
Ah no! this would not be like Him
Who died all nations to redeem;
And who has bid us pray,
That all may know the love of God,
And all be washed in Jesus’ blood,
Which takes their sins away.
And though I’ve little to bestow,
Yet given willingly, I know
The little I can send,
Will be as pleasing in His sight,
As was the poor old widow’s mite,
Which Jesus did commend.
Then let me never think or say,
That I’m too young a child to pray,
Or give for Jesus’ sake:
If done from love to Him alone,
The feeblest effort He will own,
And all the glory take.