Scripture Verse

Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these. Matthew 19:14

Introduction

portrait
Catherine Winkworth
(1827–1878)

Words: Hein­rich von Lau­fen­burg, 1429 (Ach lieb­er Herre Je­su Christ). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ca­the­rine Wink­worth, 1869, alt.

Music: St. Ca­the­rine (Wal­ton) ar­ranged by James G. Wal­ton, in Crown of Je­sus Mu­sic, by Hen­ri F. He­my (Lon­don: Tho­mas Rich­ard­son & Sons, 1864) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

If you know where to get a good pho­to of He­my or Wal­ton (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Substitute her for him if ap­pro­pri­ate.

O Je­sus Christ, our Lord most dear,
As Thou wast once an in­fant here
So give this child of Thine, we pray,
Thy grace and bless­ing day by day.

Refrain

O holy Je­sus, Lord di­vine,
We pray Thee guard this child of Thine.

As in Thy heav’n­ly king­dom, Lord,
Thy mes­sen­gers ob­ey Thy word,
Send forth the suc­cor of Thy might
To shield this child both day and night.

Refrain

And all his life, let an­gels keep
Him safe from harm, awake, asleep;
May he not bear the cross in vain,
But with Thy saints a crown at­tain.

Refrain