Scripture Verse

Let the children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

Introduction

Words: Dr. Hel­mer, in Win­nowed Songs, ed­it­ed by Ira D. San­key (New York: Big­low & Main, 1890), num­ber 115.

Music: Bet­ten­dorf Phi­lip Phil­lips, 1890 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know Hel­mer’s full name, or where to get a good pho­to of him (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Philip Phillips (1834–1895)

Lyrics

In the ear­ly spring­time,
In its morn­ing fair,
Little buds of pro­mise,
Little blos­soms rare;
Hear the words of Je­sus,
Precious will they be,
Bring the lit­tle child­ren,
Let them come to Me.

Refrain

Let them come to Me,
Let them come to Me,
Bring the lit­tle child­ren,
Let them come to Me.

He will now re­ceive you
If your hearts you bring
Humbly to the Sav­ior,
Heav’n’s ex­alt­ed king;
For the in­vi­ta­tion,
Gracious, full and free,
Says to all the child­ren,
Come, O come to Me.

Refrain

Jesus, we are com­ing,
To Thy lov­ing arms;
Safely there re­pos­ing,
Sin no long­er harms;
From the wiles of Sa­tan
Thou canst set us free;
Tho’ we’re lit­tle child­ren,
We will come to Thee.

Refrain