Leave the little children alone, and don’t try to keep them from coming to Me, because the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.
Matthew 19:14
Words: Hannah A. Foster, in The Beacon Light, edited by John Tenney & Elisha A. Hoffman (Boston, Massachusetts: Oliver Ditson, 1881), number 36.
Music: John H. Tenney (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Foster’s full name, or where to get a good photo of her (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Precious words, these words of Jesus,
Spoken tenderly;
Hinder not the little children:
Let them come to Me.
Refrain
Wonderful words! Come unto Me.
Wonderful love! drawing to Thee.
Wonderful grace, full and so free!
Merciful Savior, Thine would we be.
When we call Him, He will answer
From His throne above;
Oh! how sweet to talk with Jesus,
And to share His love.
Refrain
If we ask Him, He will lead us,
And we shall not stray;
Oh! how blest to walk with Jesus,
Trust Him and obey.
Refrain
He will give us strength to labor,
Grace to conquer sin;
When we knock at Heaven’s portal,
He will say, Come in.
Refrain