“MAMMA, I read that Jesus Christ
Came down from heaven above,
To seek and save that which was lost
So very great his love.
“I also read that none are good;
That all are vile, unclean;
Are little children, dear mamma,
All covered o’er with sin?”
“They are, my darling; all are dead,
For all are born in sin;
Children and men and women, all
By nature are unclean.
“‘Tis not committing sin alone
Makes sinners in God’s sight:
‘Tis being sinners makes us sin,
And haters of the light.
“But Christ has died, and by his death
Has made an end of sin;
And all who in his name believe,
By God are reckoned clean.
“So e’en a child like you, my dear,
Has need to be forgiven;
Not one is born into this world
By nature fit for heaven.
“The precious blood of Christ must wash
Each soul from every stain,
Before that soul with Jesus Christ
In endless life can reign.
“Oh darling, do believe in him!
Make choice of Christ and heaven,
And peace and joy shall be thy lot,
As ransomed and forgiven.
“Then thou shall know, that not alone,
Each child to Christ must flee;
But, that a very little child
A happy saint can be.”