543. Jesus, Friend of Little Children

Jesus, Friend of little children,
Be a Friend to me;
Take my hand and ever keep me
Close to Thee.

Teach me how to grow in goodness,
Daily as I grow;
Thou hast been a child, and surely
Thou dost know.

Step by step, O, lead me onward,
Upward into youth;
Wiser, stronger, still becoming
In Thy truth.

Never leave me, nor forsake me,
Ever be my Friend;
For I need Thee from life's dawning
To its end.