A CHILDLIKE SPIRIT

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1875

A CHILDLIKE SPIRIT.

Father, I know that all my life Is portioned out for me; The changes that will surely come, I do not fear to see: I ask thee for a present mind, Intent on pleasing thee.

I ask thee for a thoughtful love, Through constant watching wise, To meet the glad with joyful smiles, And wipe the weeping eyes— A heart at leisure from itself, To soothe and sympathize.

I would not have the restless will, That hurries to and fro, That seeks for some great thing to do, Or secret thing to know; I would be treated as a child, And guided where I go.

Wherever in the world I am, In whate’er estate, I have a fellowship with hearts To keep and cultivate— A work of lowly love to do For Him on whom I wait.

I ask thee for the daily strength, To none that ask denied— A mind to blend with outward life, While keeping at thy side; Content to fill a little space, If thou be glorified.

And if some things I do not ask Among my blessings be, I’d have my spirit filled the more With grateful love to thee; More careful not to serve thee much— But please thee perfectly.—Sel.