To The Children In Mrs. Day's School Poem by Thomas Cowherd

My dearest children, do you know
That best of all things here below,
And knowing, you should always show
To one another
Which when received doth warm the breast,
To troubled souls imparts sweet rest,
And makes each near connection blest-
Of friend or brother.

This precious thing has power to melt
Man's stubborn heart, as I have felt,
Subdue all sins that ever dwelt
In men benighted.
If o'er this world 'twere shed abroad,
The soldier soon might sheathe his sword,
And God alone would be adored,
And all things righted.

What is this thing of which I speak?
It can be found by those who seek,
With willing mind and spirit meek,
Intent on finding.
It has its origin above,
More beauteous is than any dove;
Those who have felt it know 'tis Love,
And well worth minding.

Where was this love most clearly seen
My children you can tell, I ween.
The truth both old and young may glean
From Scripture's pages.
For there we read that Jesus came
To suffer death, endure the shame,
That he might free us from all blame,
Throughout all ages.