Everywhere we see the faces Of those little girls and boys, Who, in spite of care and trial, Are their parents’ sweetest joys; Boys and girls that in the future Will be men and women too, Rulers of the sunny nation, Bright and active, grand and true. Little children, as you wander In your happy, careless moods, Through the snowy streets of winter, Or the pleasant summer woods; As you feel that in the future, When to manhood you have grown, You will seek for truth and wisdom, Seek to gain them for your own. Little children, pray remember That the love that holds you fast, Burning in your parents’ bosoms, Will endure until the last; Seek to pay it back in kindness, Gentle smiles and loving words, Which will echo in their hearing Sweeter than the songs of birds. Little children, live in blessing Others with a word or smile, And the angel friends above you Will protect you all the while; Live by love and gentle kindness, Then the world will better grow, And rejoice that little people Such as you may dwell below. SNOW FLAKES. Softly falls the spotless snow,— Flakes are flying everywhere, Like as many white-winged birds Speeding through the silent air; Down and down to earth they come, Full of mercy, full of love, Sent upon their mission forth, By our Father-God above. How they weave a garment bright, As they come in thick’ning crowds; Weave a garment soft and light, White and fleecy as the clouds. Over all the fields it spreads, Tucking all the flowers in, Hushing them to sleep in beds, Far removed from earthly din. Thick and fast the snow-flakes fly, Giving every girl and boy, As they watch them flutter by, Glimpses of delight and joy. How they cover all the earth, Brown and gloomy, up from sight; How they deck each leafless tree With a garment fresh and white!