Jesus, friend of little children,
Be a friend to me;
Take my hand, and ever keep me
Close to thee.

Teach me how to grow in goodness
Daily as I grow;
Thou hast been a child, and surely
Thou dost know.

Step by step, O lead me onward,
Upward into youth;
Wiser, stronger still becoming
In thy truth.

Never leave me nor forsake me,
Ever be my friend;
For I need thee from life's dawning
To its end.

Anonym

W. J. Mathams, 1851