Poems for Children Sigourney/Christ blessing the Children

by Lydia Sigourney

Christ blessing the Children.

"And he took them in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." Mark x. 16.

When the Redeemer dwelt in clay,
The proud, the powerful shunn'd his sway,
The scribe and pharisee with frown
On him of Nazareth look'd down,
And Judah, long with dream elate
Of her Messiah's regal state,
Beheld the homeless one with hate,
And Rome, with haughty mockery ey'd
The Man of grief, the crucified.—
—But they, the innocent, the blest,
In childhood's meekness, sought his breast,
Their little feet without a guide
Came thronging to his peaceful side,
And tho' the cold and stern command
Bade them at greater distance stand,

Yet strengthen'd by his cheering smile,
They gather'd to his arms the while,
And 'mid his bosom's holy shade
Their beauteous heads, confiding laid.
—Children! even now that heavenly Friend
Doth to your weakness condescend;
Yes, still he marks with favoring smile,
Your trusting spirits, free from guile,—
Still, by his gracious Word would guide
Your steps in safety to his side;
Still waits, in tender love to shed
His blessing on your beauteous head.
—Lambs of the flock! with all your charms,
Haste to your glorious Shepherd's arms.

---