Scripture Verse

A virgin shall conceive, and bear a son. Isaiah 7:14

Introduction

illustration
Maternal Affection
Hughes Merle
1823–1881

Words: Emi­ly A. E. Shir­reff (1814–1897).

Music: Mo­ther­hood L. Mea­dows White (1860–1950) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

If you know when the words or mu­sic were writ­ten, or where to get a good pho­to of Shir­reff or White (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Gracious Sav­ior, who didst honor
Womankind as woman’s Son;
Very Man, though God begotten,
And with God the Fa­ther One;
Grant our womanhood may be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Jesus, Son of human mother,
Bless our motherhood, we pray;
Give us grace to lead our children,
Draw them to Thee day by day;
May our sons and daughters be
Dedicated, Lord, to Thee.

Thou who didst with Joseph labor,
Nor didst humble work disdain,
Grant we may Thy footsteps follow
Patiently through toil and pain;
May our quiet home life be
Lived, O Lord, in Thee, to Thee.

Thou who didst go forth in sorrow,
Toiling for the souls of men,
Thou who shalt draw all men to Thee,
Though despised, rejected then;
Humble though our influence be,
Use it in the world for Thee.