Scripture Verse

Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them. Luke 18:16

Introduction

portrait
Charles H. Gabriel
1856–1932

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),

Lyrics

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