A Song for God’s Children

17^th century theologian Isaac Watts, who wrote more than 750 hymns for the Church, also composed a delightful little song book for children entitled Divine Songs for Children. It's a collection of hymns for children of all ages—even grown-up children like you and me. Here’s one I came across this morning that seems especially appropriate today.

Let dogs delight to bark and bite,    

For God hath made them so;     

Let bears and lions growl and fight,     

For ‘tis their nature too.     

But, children, you should never let     

Such angry passions rise;     

Your little hands were never made     

To tear each other’s eyes.     

Let love thro all your actions run,     

And all your words be mild;     

Live like the blessed Virgin’s son,     

That sweet and lovely child.     

His soul was gentle as a lamb;     

And as his stature grew,     

He grew in favor both with man,     

And God his father too.     

Now, Lord of all, he reigns above,     

And from his heav’nly throne     

He sees when children dwell in love,     

And marks them as his own.

David Roper

7.20.20