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THE MOTHER'S HYMN.

Lord, who ordainest for mankindBenignant toils and tender cares!We thank thee for the ties that bindThe mother to the child she bears.
We thank thee for the hopes that rise,Within her heart, as, day by day,The dawning soul, from those young eyes,Looks, with a clearer, steadier ray.
And grateful for the blessing givenWith that dear infant on her knee,She trains the eve to look to heaven,The voice to lisp a prayer to thee.