“The night is dark and wild, father,”
I heard poor Charlie say;
“I dare not go alone, father,
Along the moorland way:
Yon streamlet I must cross, father,
The steps I cannot see;
I should not have one fear, father,
If you would go with me.”
The father left his evening task,
And tenderly he smiled,
As forth in willing love he led
And comforted his child.
The little hand was clasped in his,
The tears were quickly dried;
For Charlie felt how safe he was
At his dear father’s side.
And here, my little friends, I find
A parable for you;
For Charlie’s fears convey to each
A lesson deep and true.
Your life is like a dangerous road,
The future who can see?
Look up to Jesus, then, and say
“O wilt Thou go with me?”
That blessed Saviour shed His blood
That you might be forgiven,
And now He lives to hear your cry,
And bring you safe to heaven.
And if the stream of death you cross
As many children do,
He’ll lift you in His mighty arms,
And gently bear you through.
ML 09/10/1916