  By GENEVIEVE IRONS. A Hymn for Teachers. O Lord our God we thank thee For little children dear, Gleams of thy mercy’s rainbow Which thou dost send us here; O! teach us how to make them What thou wouldst have them be, Teach us to train our children For heaven and for thee. The souls of little children Are vessels for thy grace, Thy spirit makes their bodies His chosen dwelling-place. The minds of little children Yearn for immortal truth, And thou hast deigned to make us The guardians of their youth. Oh, fill our hearts with wisdom, With love and tenderness, And in all Christ-like patience Let us our souls possess; So shall the overflowing Of hearts that own thy grace, Reflect to little children Their heavenly Father’s face. And they shall learn the wisdom That cometh from above, Our tenderness shall make them Obedient to thy love; Our patience shall encourage The hope that never faints, And give them perseverance, The triumph of the saints. The simple love of goodness, The fear to do a sin, The life that through temptation Keeps innocence within, The strength to win the battle, The knowledge that is might, Is all we need to teach them That they may learn aright. Their souls and minds and bodies Thus trained and fit for thee, Shall rise to endless service, Throughout eternity; For they will know the Father Through Jesus Christ his Son, By God the Holy Spirit, Eternal Three in One! decorative line |
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