Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them.
Luke 18:16
Words: Nannie B. Kreps, 1897.
Music: Charles H. Gabriel (🔊 pdf nwc). Some hymnals show the composer as H. A. Henry, one of Gabriel’s pseudonyms.
If you know where to get a good photo of Kreps (head-and-shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Jesus loves the little children,
And though sinful I may be,
Yet He calls me, sweetly calls me,
Little one, come to Me.
Refrain
Jesus dearly loves us,
He loves us, He loves us,
Jesus dearly loves us,
The Bible tells us so.
Oh, I want to be like Jesus,
Meek and gentle, pure and mild;
Softly speaking, helping others,
Just as a little child.
Refrain
If I try to serve and praise Him,
He will send an angel band
To protect and guide me ever,
Holding me by the hand.
Refrain