Introduction
1866–1930
Words: Ida L. Reed, 1896.
Music: J. Lincoln Hall (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymnals show the composer as Maurice Clifton, Hall’s pseudonym.
If you know where to get a better photo of Reed,
1865–1951
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
1 John 3:1
Words: Ida L. Reed, 1896.
Music: J. Lincoln Hall (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymnals show the composer as Maurice Clifton, Hall’s pseudonym.
If you know where to get a better photo of Reed,
This text by Ida L. (Reed) Smith was inspired by a story she read as a youth. Entitled A Princess in Calico, it told of a little girl who remained happy although her life was full of misfortune.
When asked how she could smile through her troubles, she replied,
Oh, it’s because I belong to the king!Ida Smith’s life was also one of trials. She was sick, lonely, impoverished, and bed-ridden for years. From a hospital bed she wrote the words of this hymn.
Hustad, p. 106
I belong to the King; I’m a child of His love,
I shall dwell in His palace so fair,
For He tells of its bliss in yon Heaven above,
And His children in splendor shall share.
Refrain
I belong to the King; I’m a child of His love,
And he never forsaketh His own.
He will call me some day to His palace above;
I shall dwell by His glorified throne.
I belong to the King, and He loves me I know,
For His mercy and kindness so free
Are unceasingly mine wheresoever I go,
And my refuge unfailing is He.
Refrain
I belong to the King, and His promise is sure:
That we all shall be gathered at last
In His kingdom above, by life’s waters so pure,
When this life with its trials is past.
Refrain