"Thy Kingdom come," still from the ground That child-like voice did pray; "Thy Kingdom come," God's host resound, HE motive which has prompted the writer to prepare this little volume is expressed in its title. He wished to place "A Parent's Gift" in the hands of his own children, which might prove "A Help to Early Prayer and Praise," and so conduce, by God's blessing, to the formation and strengthening of that bond of union in the Home on earth which is the pledge and earnest of an eternal union in the Home in Heaven. Should his attempt to supply a need in his own Home commend itself to others, he will be truly thankful. He has at least appreciated the importance of the object at which he has aimed. In writing these Prayers for his children, and seeking to guide their lips in the first utterances of Praise, he has felt that higher or holier work could not possibly have engaged his time or thoughts. Every Christian parent will comprehend this feeling, and regard it as a pledge of the spirit of anxiety and affection with which this "labour of love" has been prosecuted. The writer desires to tender his thanks to the contributors of the modern hymns included in the collection. If, in any case, through ignorance of the existence of a copyright, or for want of means of communication, special permission has not been obtained, he ventures to hope that the oversight may be excused, and the same liberty extended to him as if a request for permission had been previously made. Suggestions as to the use of the book will be found in the two introductory chapters. May He who loved little children draw many youthful hearts to Himself in early prayer and praise! ST NICHOLAS' RECTORY, WORCESTER. |