In Prussia once (the tale’s oft told),
A man had to attend
To switch the railway lines, that trains
Straight on their way might wend.
As from afar two trains came on,
He saw his boy at play,
Unconscious of the danger near,
Within the rails one day.
The father dared not leave his post.
The rails must be set straight,
Or swiftly would the trains collide
If he should be too late.
What should he do? What agony
Then rent the father’s heart!
His darling child, or hundred lives
Depended on his part.
He soon resolved his work to do;
Then, knowing that his son
Implicitly his word obeyed,
He cried, when that was done;
“Lie down, my son, at once, lie down”;
The boy the word obeyed;
He knew his father’s will was right,
Between the lines he laid.
With noise of thunder sped the trains;
O, how the father feared,
Till every carriage passed the spot,
When, safe, his boy appeared!
What pleasure filled that father’s heart!
How clasped he to his breast
His darling child, thus saved from death,
By doing his request!
So God commands all everywhere,
“Repent—own Christ as Lord”:
And all are saved from hell, who now
Obey His sovereign word.
And those who heed His loving voice
And trust the Saviour now,
Are brought to know God doth rejoice
When they to Jesus bow.
ML 07/09/1922