87. O Lord, the Holy Innocents
L.M.
Alstone:
Christopher Edwin Willing, 1868
Cecil Frances Alexander, 1850
O Lord, the Holy Innocents Laid down for thee their infant life, And martyrs brave and patient saints Have stood for thee in fire and strife. | We wear the cross they wore of old Our lips have learned like vows to make; We need not die; we cannot fight; What may we do for Jesus' sake? | O day by day each Christian child Has much to do, without, within; A death to die for Jesus' sake, A weary war to wage with sin. | When deep within our swelling hearts The thoughts of pride and anger rise, When bitter words are on our tongues, And tears of passion in our eyes; | Then we may stay the angry blow, Then we may check the hasty word, Give gentle answers back again, And fight a battle for our Lord. | With smiles of peace and looks of love, Light in our dwellings we may make, Bid kind good-humour brighten there, And do all still for Jesus' sake. | There's not a child so weak and small But has his little cross to take, His little work of love and praise, That he may do for Jesus' sake. | |