III

Like children in the market-place Who weary of their play, We turn from folly's idle race And come to Thee today. O Jesus, teller of the tale That never will grow old, Thy words of living truth prevail Our listening hearts to hold.

Tell us of Father-love that speaks Peace to the wandering child; Of valiant Shepherd-love that seeks The lost sheep in the wild; Of deep Redeemer-love that knows What sins we need forgiven, And on the Magdalen bestows The purest joy of Heaven.

Tell us of faith that's like a sword, And hope that's like a star; How great the patient soul's reward, How blest the loyal are. Tell us of courage like a wall No storm can batter down; Tell us of men who venture all For Thee, and win a crown.

Tell us that life is not a game, But real and brave and true; A journey with a glorious aim, A quest to carry through. Tell us that though our wills are weak And though we children be, The everlasting good we seek We can attain through Thee.