Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Faith

HYMN I. FAITH.

The Father of the Faithful said, At God's first calling, "Here am I;" Let us by his example sway'd,    Like him submit, like him reply.

"Go take thy son, thine only son,     "And offer him to God thy King." The word was giv'n — the work begun,      "The altar pile, the victim bring."

But lo! th'angelic voice above Bade the great Patriarch stop his hands; "Know God is everlasting love,     "And must revoke such harsh commands."

Then let us imitate the Seer, And tender, with compliant grace, Ourselves, our souls, and children here, Hereafter in a better place.

1—12. See: Gen. 22:1—14 and Heb. 11:17. Abraham's offering of Isaac as sacrifice was regarded by St Paul as a great example of faith.

13—16. See: "And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee" (The Prayer of oblation after Communion).