Classic Poem

I .

A S closely to my heart this morn
I held the little child,
That lately came to me from God,
So sweet and undefiled, —

Bending above her little face
As though it were a book,
In which to know that God is good
I needed but to look, —

Up to my eyes she turned her own,
In such a wondrous way,
That I shall be a happier man
Henceforward from this day.

For not more plainly, if in words
She could her meaning tell,
Could she declare her message sweet,
" Father, I know you well! "

O recognition more divine
Than lovers' looks of love,
When first they know the will of God
And all His goodness prove!

O recognition more divine
Than words of mine can say!
What have I done, O God, that Thou
Shouldst bless me so alway?

Into the face of death, to-day,
I could have looked and smiled,
And said, " Come take me, for I've had
A message from my child. "

II .

O men and women, if a man,
Because his little child
Has looked for once into his face
And said, or rather smiled,

" O father mine, I know you well! "
Has known so deep a joy,
What think you must be felt in heaven?
What bliss, without alloy,

Must fill our heavenly Father's heart
When first His children know
That they are born of Him, and more
Like Him must ever grow?

O recognition sweet enough
For angel lips to sing,
When first this living sacrifice
Into His courts we bring;

When first, it may be through the tears
That on our eyelids shine,
We dare look up and say to Him,
" Dear Father, Thou art mine! "

And shall we taste a joy so sweet
With children He has given,
And then not do our part to make
Him happy in His heaven?