Verse 1
Happy Samuel, to God
In his infancy restor’d!
In his Maker’s house he stood,
Ministring before the Lord:
There he liv’d to God alone,
Pure from sin’s infecting stain,
Grew in years and wisdom on,
Favour’d both by God and man.
Verse 2
Happy child! Who gain’d a place
To his heavenly Lord so near!
Happier still, who found the grace,
God’s majestic voice to hear!
Mysteries hidden from the wise,
From the prudent men conceal’d,
God, the Lord of earth and skies,
To a simple babe reveal’d.
Verse 3
Lord of earth and skies, again
To a child thyself make known:
Chosen from the sons of men,
Am not I thy sacred loan?
Yes, I to thy temple come,
By my parents’ piety
Dedicated from the womb,
Freely given up to thee.
Verse 4
Thine, O Lord, I surely am,
But to me unknown thou art:
Come, and call me by my name,
Whisper to my listning heart,
Stir me up to seek thy face,
Claim me in my tender years,
Manifest the word of grace:
Speak, for now thy servant hears.
Verse 5
Fain I would, I would believe,
Hear by faith thy pardning voice;
Of thy love the knowledge give,
Bid me, Lord, in thee rejoice,
Now thy gracious self reveal,
Speak in power and peace divine,
Pardon on my conscience seal,
Seal thy child for ever thine.