From the lips of children and infants You have ordained praise.
Matthew 21:16
Words: Caroline L. Rice, in the Methodist Episcopal Hymnal, 1877.
Music: Children’s Praise Joseph Barnby (1838–1896) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Rice (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Wilt Thou hear the voice of praise
Which the little children raise,
Thou who art, from endless days,
Glorious God of all?
While the circling year has sped,
Thou hast heavenly blessings shed,
Like the dew, upon each head;
Still on Thee we call.
Still Thy constant care bestow;
Let us each in wisdom grow,
And in favor while below,
With the God above.
In our hearts the Spirit mild,
Which adorned the Savior child,
Gently soothe each impulse wild
To the sway of love.
Thine example, kept in view,
Jesus, help us to pursue;
Lead us all our journey through
By Thy guiding hand;
And when life on earth is o’er,
Where the blest dwell evermore,
May we praise Thee and adore,
An unbroken band.