1 Listen to the voice of Jesus–
O so sweet!–
As the little children gather
Round His feet:
Young ones to His knees are climbing,
There to rest;
Older ones stand round Him waiting
To be blessed.

2 While the mothers who had brought them
Heard men say,–
“’Tis no place for little children:
Go away!”
They were sorry: but their sorrow
Soon was gone;
For He raised His hands, and blessed them
Ev’ry one.

3 And He said to His disciples,–
These are mine;
In the Kingdom of my Father
They shall shine:
Send them not away, but rather
Bring them near;
Even little ones may love their
Saviour dear.

4 Still He loves the little children,
You and me;
And He wants us all to love Him
Faithfully:
Let us, then, with hearts and voices
Gladly say,–
I am Thine, O blessed Jesus,
Thine for aye!