A precious gift our God has given
To bless declining years,
Anew we feel our sins forgiven,
And eyes o’erflow in grateful tears.
A little child with gentle ways,
The darling household pet,
Swiftly passing, peaceful days,
The jewel is ours yet.
The child has passed to bloom of youth
A maiden fair of face,
With heart of love and lips of truth,
Doth still our fireside grace.
The skilful hands and winsome ways
Win love without a thought;
And words of cheer and songs of praise
Are given, though all unsought.
A time of sadness follows now,
And then a Saviour’s love;
A grateful band we humbly bow,
And thank our Friend above.
But grown to years of maidenhood
The heart is not our own;
Though home is dear and God is love,
The sweet content has flown.