Everlasting thanks to Thee, Lord Jesus!
I need not first grow up in wickedness, and
then painfully return, with blemishes and
scars on my soul, to undo with sorrow what
has been done in sin. I need not learn to
neglect and hate Thee first, and then after-
wards to seek and love Thee. I may grow up
in piety, so as not to be able to remember a
time when I did not love Thee. From child-
hood I may wax strong in spirit, be filled
with wisdom, and have the grace of God
upon me.
Beautiful childhood, which is fashioned
after Thine own, Holy Child Jesus!