Chapter III: Children in the Market-Place

"They are like children in the market-place."--Luke VII:32.

Like children in the market-place
Who weary of their play,
We turn from folly's idle race
And come to Thee today.
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.