Hymns for Children, 77

O Happy state of infancy!
Strangers to guilty fears,
We live from sin and sorrow free
In these our tender years.

Jesus the Lord our Shepherd is,
And did our souls redeem;
Our present and eternal bliss
Are both secured in Him.

His mercy every sinner claims;
For all His flock He cares;
The sheep He gently leads, the lambs
He in His bosom bears.

Loving He is to all His sons,
Who hearken to His call;
But us, His weak. His little ones.
He loves us best of all.

If unto us our friends are good,
Twas He their hearts inclined;
He bids our fathers give us food.
And makes our mothers kind.

Then let us thank Him for His grace;
He will not disapprove
Our meanest sacrifice of praise,
Our childish, pratthng love.