To A Child.

Yes, little child, 'twas one like thee,
Meet emblem of humility!
That Jesus in the midst did place,
To shew how sweet is childish grace:
Whose bright eyes speak a soul within,

Yet undefiled by actual sin;
Whose little bosom, pure and fair,
Ne'er harboured evil passion there.

Be Israel's Shepherd still thy guide,
And shadow of His wings thee hide
From every blast of cankering care,
That human life is doomed to share.

When all earth's joys have changed to gloom,
And life's bright sun sinks in the tomb,
Dear Jesus! grant that she may hold
A place among thy heavenly fold.