Songs of the New Life ‎#93

93. Hold Up Your Hand for Jesus

1 A little child lay dying,
With none to soothe his pain;
No mother's face to cheer him,
And give him smiles again;
but one brave little fellow
Crept slowly to his bed,
And gazing on his comrade
In soothing accents said:

Refrain:
I want to tell you, Willie,
Of One who lives on high,
Hold up your hand for Jesus,
This night he passes by,
Hold up your hand for Jesus,
This night he passes by

2 "I want to speak of Jesus
Before my eyes grow dim;"
The poor boy gently whispered:
"I never heard of him!"
"But he is ever near you,
And when this life is o'er,
He'll take you up to heaven,
Where pain can come no more." [Refrain]

3 "I could not ask a stranger
This dying form to see,
And One so good and noble
Would never speak to me;
I know not where to find him,
If he would ease my pain;
But tell me more of Jesus,—
Oh, speak of him again!" [Refrain]

4 "Just ask for peace and quiet,
for pleasure when you die;
His love is ever near you,—
This night he passes by;
In hospital and palace
His presence doth abide,
And if you wish to see him
Draw nearer to his side." [Refrain]

5 "The doctor says I'm dying,
My eyes are growing dim;
In pain I cannot linger,—
How shall I speak to him?"
"Hold up your hand for Jesus,
And when he passes by,
He'll take you in his bosom
And bear you to the sky." [Refrain]

6 The little hand, so feeble,
Went up, but fell again;
Then twice he slowly raised it,
but could not bear the pain;
Then propped upon a pillow,
With sad eyes opened wide,
His hand went up for Jesus,
And bright with smiles he died. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: A little child lay dying
• Title: Hold Up Your Hand for Jesus
• Author: Theo. D. C. Miller, M.D.
• Refrain First Line: I want to tell you, Willie
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1883
• Copyright: Published in sheet form by W. F. A. Lieder, 60 Chatham St., N. Y. Used by per.
• Notes: A LITTLE street boy in London had both legs broken by a dray passing over them. He was laid in one of the beds of the hospital to die, and another little fellow was laid near by, picked up sick with famine and fever. The latter was allowed to lie down b

Tune Information

• Name: [A little child lay dying]
• Composer: W. Warrent Bentley
• Incipit: 55332 21176 1765
• Copyright: Published in sheet form by W. F. A. Lieder, 60 Chatham St., N. Y. Used by per.