665. C. M. Doddridge. Dedication of Children to God and Christ.

1 See Israel's gentle Shepherd stand,
With all-engaging charms;
Hark! how he calls the tender lambs,
And folds them in his arms!

2 |Permit them to approach,| he cries,
|Nor scorn their humble name;
For 'twas to bless such souls as these,
The Lord of angels came.|

3 We bring them, Lord, in thankful hands,
And yield them up to thee;
Joyful that we ourselves are thine,
Thine let our offspring be.

4 Ye little flock, with pleasure hear;
Ye children, seek his face,
And fly with transport to receive
The blessings of his grace.

5 If orphans they are left behind,
God's guardian care we trust;
That care shall heal our bleeding hearts,
If weeping o'er their dust.