THE CHILDREN'S EUCHARIST.

The children's star-crowned Bethlehem,

The children's‘ house of bread,’

Where Jesus’ arms encircle them,

With milk and honey fed:—

Such is the Church, whose altar-gates

Stand ever open, when

The board is furnished where He waits

To feast the hearts of men.

A Babe He came one heart to bless

( It is His cradle still ),

And evermore her blessedness

Is theirs who do His will;

A Child He trod the Temple-floor,

By Mary Mother led;

By children's voices evermore

His praise is perfected.

‘ Forbid them not,’ He said of old:

The words so stern and sweet

Still make believing mothers bold

To gather at His Feet,

And bring their babes; their hearts discern

( And oh, that others would! )

How mother-like His Heart must yearn

Who made their motherhood.

A happy Home where children pray,

With milk and honey fed,

Whose altar-hearth burns bright alway,

Whose board is richly spread:—

Such is the Church; and sweet the song

Her little children sing,

Of all who round His Altar throng

The dearest to our King.