Toward God in heaven spacious br With artless faith a boy looks free, br As toward his mother gracious, br And top of Christmas-tree. br But early in the storm of youth br There wounds him deep the serpent's tooth; br His childhood's faith is doubted br And flouted. br br Soon stands in radiant splendor br With bridal wreath his boyhood's dream; br Her loving eyes and tender br The light of heaven's faith stream. br As by his mother's knee of yore br God's name he stammers yet once more, br The rue of tears now paying br And praying. br br When now life's conflict stirring br Leads him along through doubtings wild, br Then upward points unerring br Close by his side his child. br With children he a child is still br And whatsoe'er his heart may chill, br Prayer for his son is warming, br Transforming. br br The greatest man in wonder br Must ward the child within his breast, br And list 'mid loudest thunder br Its whisperings unrepressed. br Where oft a hero fell with shame, br The child it was restored his name, br His better self revealing, br And healing. br br All great things thought created br In child-like joy sprang forth and grew; br All strength with goodness mated, br Obeyed the child's voice true. br When beauty in the soul held sway, br The child gave it in artless play;- br All wisdom worldly-minded br Is blinded. br br Hail him, who forward presses br So far that he a home is worth br For there alone possesses br The child-life peace on earth. br Though worn we grieve and hardened grow, br What solace 't is our home to know br With children's laughter ringing br And singing.