The Bread That Comes From Heaven Needs Finest Breaking by Julia H. Johnson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

“The Bread That Comes From Heaven Needs Finest Breaking”

By Julia H. Johnson

“THE bread that comes from heaven needs finest breaking.”

Remember this, All ye who offer for the children's taking, Nor give amiss.

The desert manna, like to coriander, With honey taste, Was gathered at the word of the Commander, With cautious haste.

“A small, round thing,” and not in loaves for eating, The manna fell, Each day the wondrous miracle repeating, As records tell.

So make it small, the bread of God, life-giving; The child is small, Unskilled in all the strange, great art of living, That baffles all.

Be mindful of the little ones, and feed them With living bread; But break it for them as you gently lead them To Christ, the Head.

With skill and pains and loving forethought tender, Provide the fare; Remember that their powers at best are slender For whom you care.

Young, pliable souls claim your constant tending; To these be true; Be sure to give the bread from heaven descending— Naught else will do.

Mix not with earthly things that cause distraction, The bread divine. The Word itself has infinite attraction, Yet break it fine;

Nor let them lose, for any selfish reason, The measure due; Remember, for their portion in due season, They look to you.

—Julia H. Johnson.