In the Midst

Mark 9:3-6

The Lord, who came to bless the earth

With treasures of the greatest worth,

Was oft by men reviled;

He found a home which he could share,

And in the midst with loving care

He set a little child.

Observing eyes could see the charms

Of him who from the Saviour’s arms

Upon his parents smiled;

To cause his chosen ones to see

What greatness in His sight must be

He used a little child.

He said to those, for whom he prayed,

And who had been by envy swayed,

As by a tempest wild;

“Each one who would my kingdom find

Must surely in his heart and mind

Be as a little child,”

To those who know temptation’s snares,

And who amid perplexing cares

Have often been beguiled,

He comes that they may strength obtain;

And often in their midst again

He sets a little child.

Those who would liquor’s power suppress,

That all the children may possess

Home comfort undefiled,

Are ready for the strain and strife,

While in their midst the Lord of life

Still sets a little child.

He seeks the sweetest joys to give

To those who in the life they live

To him are reconciled;

To heart and home in wondrous grace

He comes, and in the central place

He sets a little child.

He seeks to set his people free,

That they in all things Him may see,

Who is so meek and mild;

With those who His commands obey

He dwells, and in their midst to-day

He sets a little child.

-       T. Watson

In “The Pioneer”