  The children's star-crowned Bethlehem, The children's 'house of bread,' Where Jesus' arms encircle them, With milk and honey fed:— Such is the Church, whose altar-gates Stand ever open, when The board is furnished where He waits To feast the hearts of men. (It is His cradle still), And evermore her blessedness Is theirs who do His will; A Child He trod the Temple-floor, By Mary Mother led; By children's voices evermore His praise is perfected. 'Forbid them not,' He said of old: The words so stern and sweet Still make believing mothers bold To gather at His Feet, (And oh, that others would!) How mother-like His Heart must yearn Who made their motherhood. A happy Home where children pray, With milk and honey fed, Whose altar-hearth burns bright alway, Whose board is richly spread:— Such is the Church; and sweet the song Her little children sing, Of all who round His Altar throng The dearest to our King. Ballachulish: 1884. |
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