A Grace

Sweetest Lord ! that wert so blest
On thy sweetest mother's breast.
Give to every new-born baby
Food that needs — as good as may be.
Jesus ! Lord, who long obey'd
The sainted sire, the Mother Maid,
Teach my young heart to submit, —
Deign thyself to govern it.
Babe, and boy, and youth, and man,
All make up the mighty plan ;
And these the Saviour sanctified,
For He was all — and then He died.
Whatever He gives us we may take.
But still receive it for His sake.
But might the prayer within my breast
Make others blest, as I am blest ;
And might my joy in thanking Thee
Make for all hungry souls a plea ;
Then would I praise and Thee adore,
And ever thank Thee, more and more
Rejoicing, if Thou would'st but bless
Thy creatures for my thankfulness.