As when a child secure of harms

Verse 1

As when a child, secure of harms, Hangs at the mother’s breast, Safe folded in her anxious arms, Receiving food and rest:

Verse 2

And, while through many a painful path The travelling parent speeds, The fearless babe, with passive faith, Lies still, and yet proceeds:

Verse 3

Should some short start his quiet break, He fondly strives to fling His little arms about her neck, And seems to closer cling;

Verse 4

Poor child, maternal love alone Preserves thee, first and last; Thy parent’s arms, and not thy own, Are those that hold thee fast!

Verse 5

So souls that would to Jesus cleave, And hear his secret call, Must every fair pretension leave, And let the Lord be all.

Verse 6

“Keep close to me, thou helpless sheep,” The Shepherd softly cries; “Lord, tell me what ’tis close to keep,” The listening sheep replies.

Verse 7

“Thy whole dependence on me fix; Nor entertain a thought Thy worthless schemes with mine to mix, But venture to be nought.

Verse 8

“Fond self-direction is a shelf; Thy strength, thy wisdom flee; When thou art nothing in thyself, Thou then art close to me.”