p. 1 | Watch, Mother!

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1863

Watch, Mother!

MOTHER! watch those little feet, Climbing o'er the garden wall, Bounding through the busy street, Ranging cellar, shed, and hall; Never dare the question ask, Why to me the weary task? Little feet will go astray, Guide them, mother, while you may.

Mother! watch the little hands, Picking berries by the way, Making houses in the sand, Tossing o'er the fragrant hay. Never mind the time it cost, Never count the moments lost; Those same little hands may prove Messengers of light and love.

Mother! watch that little tongue, Prattling eloquent and wild: What is said and what is sung By the happy, joyous child. Catch the word before 'tis spoken, Stop the vow before 'tis broken. That same tongue may yet proclaim Blessings in a Saviour's name.

Mother! watch that little heart, Beating soft and warm from you; Wholesome lessons now impart, Keep, O keep, that young heart true. Extirpating every weed, Sowing good and precious seed. Harvest rich you then may see, Ripening for eternity.—Sel.