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