Thus early was Christ’s course begun:
Thus radiant dawned celestial day;
And those who such a race would run
As early should be on their way.

His Father’s business was His care,
Yet in man’s favor still He grew;
O might we learn by thought and prayer,
Like Him a work of love to do!

Wisdom and virtue still He sought,
Nor ignorant nor vile despised:
True was each action, pure each thought,
And each pure hope He realized.

The empires of this world, in vain,
Offered their scepters to His hand;
Fearless He trod the stormy main,
Fearless ’mid throngs of foes could stand.

Yet with His courage and His power
Combined such sweetness and such love,
He could revere the simplest flower,
The vilest sinners firm reprove.

For all mankind He came, nor yet
An infant’s visit would deny;
Nor friend nor mother did forget
In His last hour of agony.

O children, ask Him to impart
That spirit clear and temper mild,
Which made the mother in her heart
Keep all the sayings of her child.

Bless Him who said, of such as you
His Father’s kingdom is: and still,
His yoke to bear, His work to do,
Study His life to learn His will.