Littell's Living Age/Volume 117/Issue 1516/Hymn for a Little Child

by Matilda Betham-Edwards

God make my life a little light,
     Within the world to glow;
A little flame that burneth bright,
     Wherever I may go.

God make my life a little flower,
     That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower,
     Although its place be small.

God make my life a little song,
     That comforteth the sad;
That helpeth others to be strong,
     And makes the singer glad.

God make my life a little staff
     Whereon the weak may rest,
That so what health and strength I have
     May serve my neighbours best.

God make my life a little hymn
     Of tenderness and praise;
Of faith - that never waxeth dim,
     In all his wondrous ways.