THE MOTHER'S HYMN by William Cullen Bryant

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 15, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 27.

THE MOTHER'S HYMN.

By William Cullen Bryant

Lord, who ordainest for mankind Benignant toils and tender cares, We thank thee for the ties that bind The mother to the child she bears.

We thank thee for the hopes that rise Within her heart, as, day by day, The dawning soul, from those young eyes, Looks with a clearer, steadier ray.

And, grateful for the blessing given, With that dear infant on her knee, She trains the eye to look to Heaven, The voice to lisp a prayer to thee.

Such thanks the blessed Mary gave, When from her lap the Holy Child, Sent from on high to seek and save The lost of earth, looked up and smiled.

All-Gracious! grant to those who bear A mother's charge, the strength and light To guide the feet that own their care In ways of love and truth and right. —William Cullen Bryant.