[p164]
LIX
“Little children abide in Him” (The Disciple)
“I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the
Father.”
“I write unto you, little children, because your sins are for-
given you for His name’s sake.”
“And now, little children, abide in Him.”
YE children, unto you I write:
Not strong to overcome are ye,
Faithful to strive nor wise to flee;—
But your weak coming was in Light!
Ye see; though not your feeble thought
Can shape the knowledge Light has brought,
Yet have ye known the Father long from wisdom
hid.
An older breast with pity swells
For babe in this rude world bereft
Of parent love, all des’late left!
Uncareful and at ease he dwells;
He knows, yet knows not that he knows,
A care that bears him as he goes,—
The Father he discerns and smiles all fears
amid!
[p165]
And, children, unto you I write!
Ah, not the shining of His face
Nor shelt’ring of the Father’s grace
Has kept your garments wholly white:
Poor babes, ye sin—for strong is ill,
And small your might and weak your will—
Lo, swift forgiveness lifts anew to His embrace!
For not on you the burden lies:
A gracious cloud, a tender tear,
Is all ye know of hireling fear;
Then into joy again do rise:
E’en while ye sin, are ye forgiven
For His Name’s sake: wherefore in heaven
Your angels evermore behold your Father’s face.
For, ah, wise little ones, ye know
To take the Off’ring at the door,
Nor question aught nor tell the score,
But enter, free as winds that blow!
Wherefore, O little ones, I write
That ye do keep you in the light—
For loving must ye be, O children of His grace!
