168. Blossoming Youth, Thou Our Hope

1. Blossoming Youth, thou our hope and our fond expectation,
Hear now the voice that is calling in sweet invitation!
Follow the hand,
That oft thy welfare hath planned,
Pointing to Christ and salvation!

2. Bring as thy off’ring the living and beautiful flower,
Bring as thy off’ring with gladness youth’s zeal and youth’s power
To Christ, your Friend,
Who all His grace doth extend, -
He reigns as King every hour.

3. Tenderly Jesus the lambs of His pasture embraces!
Give Him rich gladness by living in all Christian graces!
Blessings anew
God will divide unto you
Now and in heavenly places.

4. Living for Christ may of children be truly expected,
Sharing the love which to them He so kindly directed.
Let this suffice,
For all transgression and vice
Leads but to being rejected.

5. Cedars of youth in whom sanctified fires are glowing,
Who in His grace, in His wisdom and power are growing,
Short is the time;
Make then your service sublime,
All to the Master bestowing!

6. Being a tool to the honor of God your Creator,
What earthly glory or honor could ever be greater!
Hear then, O youth
Ever abide in the truth,
Be not a sloth or a traitor.

7. Seek thou Him truly; the angels of God will attend thee,
O how familiarly the will escort and befriend thee!
If thou but stand
Loyal to Jesus’ command,
He to their love will commend thee.

8. Think what an honor and glory to them He will tender,
Who from their youth to old age all to Jesus surrender!
Even when gray,
They shall yet bloom as in May,
Blest be the Lord, their Defender.

9. Goodness and mercy shall follow His faithful ones ever,
All those who trust in the cross of their Lord and their Savior:
Know His deep love!
Then in the mansions above
Share His great blessings forever!