_The Children'S Eucharist._

The children's star-crowned Bethlehem, The children's 'house of bread,' Where Jesus' arms encircle them, With milk and honey fed:-- Such is the Church, whose altar-gates Stand ever open, when The board is furnished where He waits To feast the hearts of men.

A Babe He came one heart to bless (It is His cradle still), And evermore her blessedness Is theirs who do His will; A Child He trod the Temple-floor, By Mary Mother led; By children's voices evermore His praise is perfected.

'Forbid them not,' He said of old: The words so stern and sweet Still make believing mothers bold To gather at His Feet, And bring their babes; their hearts discern (And oh, that others would!) How mother-like His Heart must yearn Who made their motherhood.

A happy Home where children pray, With milk and honey fed, Whose altar-hearth burns bright alway, Whose board is richly spread:-- Such is the Church; and sweet the song Her little children sing, Of all who round His Altar throng The dearest to our King.

BALLACHULISH: 1884.