His loving voice could never say-- "Oh, take these little ones away!" And though the parents' hearts might fear, He loved to see them coming near. His blessed words, "Forbid them not," Are with much heavenly comfort fraught; And "Suffer them to come to Me," Gives forth a welcome kind and free. In Him sweet rays of mercy shine-- So tender, harmless, yet divine; Upon them He His hands doth place, And blesses them in truth and grace. Displeased with what His servants did, And having their unkindness chid, He makes His pleasure shine so bright, Causing the mothers much delight. Oh, tell it out, to heal the smart Of many an anxious parent's heart-- He hears the sigh, He sees the tear, And each poor pleader welcomes near. Oh, tell it out, that children dear May seek His face, and never fear, That He will hear their feeble prayer, And give them in His love to share. He speaks of heaven and glorious things, And is so meek, though King of kings; Of children says, to cheer and please, "The kingdom is of such as these." Oh, eyes that saw with kindly look! Oh, arms that thus the children took! Oh, hands, parental-like, thus laid! Oh, words to bless, what grace displayed! Lord, fix our youthful eyes on Thee; Grant us Thy love and grace to see; Cause us to love Thy blessed name, And tune our tongues to speak Thy fame. The proud, the lofty, all defiled, Must be made as a little child; Must all their sins and vileness own, And seek for mercy at Thy throne.[1] [1] Throne of grace. Oh, Saviour, may Thy love so free Encourage souls to come to Thee; And may they, finding all they need, Confess that they are blest indeed. B. B. THE biggest lies are told for the least cause. A BUDDING OF HOPE. Dear young readers of the LITTLE GLEANER, how very true and solemn are the words of the poet-- "The moment when our lives begin We all begin to die." And at what age death may take us none of us can say. From among the large number who read the GLEANER, we every now and again hear of one being taken away by death.