Beneath the spreading branches,
			
				Her face so bright and sweet,
			
				This darling little maiden
			
				Is having quite a treat.
			
		 
			
  
				An apron full of treasures
			
				She holds with tender care,
			
				Some little baby chickens
			
				Are safely nestled there.
			
		 
			
  
				While others, soft and downy,
			
				Are clustered at her feet,
			
				No thought of fear or danger
			
				With such a. safe retreat.
			
		 
			
  
				So there is One, dear children,
			
				Who watches over you
			
				With love that never falters—
			
				A love both strong and true.
			
		 
			
  
				As the little chicks are guarded
			
				With tender care and love,
			
				You too, are in the keeping
			
				Of One who lives above.
			
		 
			
  
				This blessed Saviour, Jesus,
			
				Once left His home on high,
			
				And for poor guilty sinners
			
				Came down to bleed and die.
			
		 
			
  
				But love so all-surpassing
			
				Would not be satisfied
			
				With saving from destruction.
			
				The ones for whom He died.
			
		 
			
  
				It follows us and keeps us,
			
				No matter where we stray,
			
				From dangers seen and unseen
			
				Along our pilgrim way.
			
		 
			
  
				And this same love will take us,
			
				When ends our journey here,
			
				To realms of joy and safety
			
				With Jesus ever near.
			
		 
			
  ML 09/03/1939