Part 92 (1/2)

On our way rejoicing, As we homeward move, Hearken to our praises, O Thou G.o.d of love.

Is there grief or sadness?

Thine it cannot be.

Is our sky beclouded?

Clouds are not from Thee.

If with honest-hearted Love for G.o.d and man, Day by day Thou find us Doing what we can, Thou who giv'st the seedtime Wilt give large increase, Crown the head with blessings, Fill the heart with peace.

On our way rejoicing Gladly let us go; Conquered hath our Leader; Vanquished is our foe.

Christ without, our safety; Christ within, our joy; Who, if we be faithful, Can our hope destroy?

--_John Samuel Bewley Monsell_.

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[Ill.u.s.tration]

JESUS BLESSING THE LITTLE CHILDREN By Bernard Plockhorst (1825- )

GOING TO JESUS

”The Master has come over Jordan.”

Said Hannah the mother one day; He is healing the people who throng Him With a touch of His finger, they say.

”And now I shall carry the children, Little Rachel and Samuel and John; I shall carry the baby Esther For the Lord to look upon.”

The father looked at her kindly, But he shook his head and smiled.

”Now who but a doting mother Would think of a thing so wild?

”If the children were tortured by demons, Or dying of fever, 't were well; Or had they the taint of the leper, Like many in Israel.”

”Nay, do not hinder me. Nathan, I feel such a burden of care; If I carry it to the Master, Perhaps I shall leave it there.

”If He lay His hands on the children, My heart will be lighter, I know; For a blessing for ever and ever Will follow them as they go.”

So over the hills of Judah, Along the vine-rows green.

With Esther asleep on her bosom, And Rachel her brothers between,

'Mong the people who hung on His teaching, Or waited His touch or His word, Through the row of proud Pharisees listening She pa.s.sed to the feet of her Lord.

”Now why shouldst thou hinder the Master,”

Said Peter, ”with children like these?

Seest not how from morning to evening He teacheth, and healeth disease?”

Then Christ said, ”Forbid not the children; Permit them to come unto Me:”

And He took in His arms little Esther, And Rachel He set on His knee.

And the heavy heart of the mother Was lifted all earth-care above, As He laid His hands on the brothers, And blest them with tenderest love;