Who hath despised the day of small things?

Verse 1

The Lord that made both heaven and earth, And was himself made man, Lay in the womb, before his birth, Contracted to a span.

Verse 2

Behold, from what beginnings small Our great salvation rose; The strength of God is owned by all; But who his weakness knows?

Verse 3

Let not the strong the weak despise; Their faith, though small, is true; Though low they seem in others’ eyes, Their Saviour seemed so too.

Verse 4

Nor meanly of the tempted think; For O what tongue can tell How low the Lord of life must sink, Before he vanquished hell?

Verse 5

As in the days of flesh he grew In wisdom, stature, grace, So in the soul that’s born anew, He keeps a gradual pace.

Verse 6

No less almighty at his birth, Than on his throne supreme; His shoulders held up heaven and earth, When Mary held up him.