When Baby Strayed

At once, with frenzied haste, my feet

Ran up and down the busy street.

If ever in my life I prayed,

It was the evening Baby strayed.

And yet my great concern was this

( Not dread of losing Baby's kiss,

And Baby's soft small hand in mine,

And Baby's comradeship divine ),

I without Baby? In my need

I were a piteous soul indeed.

But piteous far, beyond all other,

A little child without a mother.

And God, in mercy, graciously

Gave my lost darling back to me.

O high and lofty One!

THOU couldst have lived to all eternity

Apart from ME!

In majesty, upon that emerald throne.

Thou, with Thy morning stars,

Thy dawns, with golden bars,

And all the music of the heavenly train.

Possessing all things, what hadst Thou to gain

By seeking me?

What was I?... and, what am I?... less than nought.

And yet Thy mercy sought.

Yea, Thou hast set my feet

Upon the way of holiness, and sweet

It is, to seek Thee daily, unafraid...