From school, with merry ringing shout,
Our Bertie bounded in—
“Look, mother, look, I am so glad
This handsome prize to win.
“For early I at school have been,
Each Sunday through the year—
Had marks for lessons, conduct too,
I knew I need not fear.
“But I’ve been thinking, mother dear,
Of what my teacher said;
He looked at me so lovingly,
His hand laid on my head.
“ ‘Bertie,’ he said, ‘we’re glad to give
The prize you’ve earn’d so well;
But list to me a moment, for
I have good news to tell.
“ ‘I have a Friend who loveth, more
Than earthly friends can love;
He tells me I shall share His home
Of glory bright above.
“‘My Saviour is the Friend I mean,
His love is full and free;
He tells me in His blessed word,
A prize He’ll give to me.
“ ‘He bought it me and paid the price,
When His own life He gave,
To make atonement for my sin,
My priceless soul to save.
“‘And gladly from His hand I’ll take,
His gift of love to me,
And praise His name and join the song
Of those His death set free.’
“Mother, I know I’ve trusted now
My teacher’s changeless Friend,
The glad new song I’ve learned to sing,
Of love that ne’er will end.”
ML 04/30/1944