Ein Kindchen kann nicht überlegen, Es lässt sich heben, tragen, legen, Denkt nicht an Schaden und Gefahr, Es bleibt nur überlassen gar. Ein Kind weiss nichts von fremden Sachen; Was Andre thun, was Andre machen, Was ihm vor Augen wird gethan, Schaut es in stiller Unschuld an. Sein liebstes Werk und höchst Vergnügen Ist in der Mutter Armen liegen, Sie anzusehen spät und früh, Und zärtlich zu umarmen sie. O süsse Unschuld, Kinderwesen! Die Weisheit hab ich mir erlesen, Wer dich besitzt ist hoch gelehrt Und in des Höchsten Augen werth. O Kindheit, die Gott selber liebet, Die Jesu Geist alleine giebet, Wie sehnet sich mein Herz nach Dir! O Jesu, bilde Dich in mir! O Jesu, lass mich doch auf Erden Ein solch unschuldges Kindlein werden; Ich weiss gewiss, so kommt schon hier Gott und sein Paradies zu mir. Gerhard Tersteegen. 1697-1769. Childlike Temper. Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. _St. Matt._ xviii. 3. Soul, while on earth thou still remainest, If thou a childlike frame retainest, With thee, e’en here, I know full well, God and His Paradise will dwell. A child does not in gold or treasure, Or dazzling pomp of words take pleasure; For whether he be poor or rich Is one to him, he cares not which. He holds not men in admiration; Nor prince, nor king, nor lofty station Can e’er a little child appal, Yet is he poor, and weak, and small. Still in his eyes his soul revealing, He dreams not, knows not of concealing; Does all he does with single mind, And thinks of others what is kind. No anxious thoughts his bosom vexing, No fond conceits his head perplexing, In sweet simplicity he lives, Happy in what the present gives. A child can not go any distance, Nay, can not stand without assistance; He holds his mother closely pressed, And lets her lead where she sees best. No projects in his mind combining, To others’ arms his fate resigning, He fears not mischief may befall, But passively submits to all. No care on others’ things bestowing, Of others’ actions nothing knowing, Whate’er before his eyes is done, In innocence he still looks on. All day ’tis his beloved employment, From morn till eve his chief enjoyment, To gaze upon his mother’s face, Or cling to her with fond embrace. O Innocence! sweet child’s existence! This have I learnt through God’s assistance— He who possesses thee is wise, And valued in th’ Almighty’s eyes. O childhood! well-beloved of heaven! Whose mind by Christ alone is given, How longs my heart to feel like thee! O Jesu! form Thyself in me.