Beneath the spreading branches,
Her face so bright and sweet,
This darling little maiden
Is having quite a treat.
An apron full of treasures
She holds with tender care,
Some little baby chickens
Are safely nestled there.
While others, soft and downy,
Are clustered at her feet,
No thought of fear or danger
With such a safe retreat.
So there is One, dear children,
Who watches over you
With love that never falters—
A love both strong and true.
As the little chicks are guarded
With tender care and love,
You too, are in the keeping
Of One who lives above.
This blessed Saviour, Jesus,
Once left His home on high,
And for poor guilty sinners
Came down to bleed and die.
But love so all-surpassing
Would not be satisfied
With saving from destruction
The ones for whom He died.
It follows us and keeps us,
No matter where we stray,
From dangers seen and unseen
Along our pilgrim way.
And this same love will take us,
When ends our journey here,
To realms of joy and safety
With Jesus ever near.
ML 09/04/1927