The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley

Not without Thy direction
From us our child we send,
And to Thy sure protection
Her innocence commend:
Jesus, Thou Friend and Lover
Of helpless infancy,
With wings of mercy cover
A soul beloved by Thee.

Evil communication
O let it not pervert,
Or fill with pride and passion
Her fond unwary heart;
Preserve her uninfected
(In answer to our prayers)
From dangers unsuspected,
From twice ten thousand snares.

Let no affections foolish
Or vain her spirit soil;
Let no instructions polish
Her nature into guile;
No low dissimulation
Place in her bosom find,
No worldly art or fashion
Corrupt her simple mind.

Our little one, believing,
Beneath Thy care we place,
And see Thee, Lord, receiving
Her into Thine embrace:

Thyself her inward Teacher,
Thyself her Guardian be,
And graciously enrich her
With all that is in Thee.

University of Virginia Library

LXXVII. ON SENDING A CHILD TO THE BOARDING-SCHOOL.