Children in the Market-Place

Like children in the market-place
  Who weary of their play,
We turn from folly’s idle race
  And come to Thee to-day.
O Jesus, teller of the tale
  That never will grow old,
Thy words of living truth prevail
  Our listening hearts to hold.

Tell us of Father-love that speaks
  Peace to the wandering child;
Of valiant Shepherd-love that seeks
  The lost sheep in the wild;
Of deep Redeemer-love that knows
  What sins we need forgiven,
And on the Magdalen bestows
  The purest joy of Heaven.

Tell us of faith that’s like a sword,
  And hope that’s like a star;
How great the patient soul’s reward,
  How blest the loyal are.
Tell us of courage like a wall
  No storm can batter down;
Tell us of men who venture all
  For Thee, and win a crown.

Tell us that life is not a game,
  But real and brave and true;
A journey with a glorious aim,
  A quest to carry through.
Tell us that though our wills are weak
  And though we children be,
The everlasting good we seek
  We can attain through Thee.