Religion

The Child

by John Newton 1725–1807

From Olney Hymns, Book III (1779)

Religion

Quiet, LORD, my froward heart,
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weaned child:
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases thee.

What thou shalt today provide,
Let me as a child receive;
What tomorrow may betide,
Calmly to thy wisdom leave:
'Tis enough that thou wilt care,
Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own;
Knows he's neither strong nor wise,
Fears to stir a step alone:
Let me thus with thee abide,
As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan's wiles,
Safe from dangers, free from fears;
May I live upon thy smiles,
Till the promised hour appears;
When the sons of God shall prove
All their Father's boundless love.

MLA

Newton, John. “The Child.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/248/.

Chicago

Newton, John. “The Child.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/248/.

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