Can a Mother Forget?

1 Can a mother forget the child of her love,
The babe she hath nourished and blessed?
Can she blot from her thoughts the flesh of her flesh,
The infant she clasped to her breast?

Chorus:
Can a mother forget? can a mother forget?
Oh, sad is the answer, she may;
But he who that died for us will not forget,
Though far from his fold we may stray.

2 Can a mother forget the child of her prayers,
The boy who her counsels may spurn?
Thought wandering now on the broad way of sin,
She prays for the loved one's return. [Chorus]

3 Can a mother forget the child she has soothed
When sobbing with terror or grief?
Will her heart, with its wealth of comfort e'er fail
To bring to her darling relief? [Chorus]

4 Can a mother forget? yea, even she may
Be deaf to the voice of thy plea;
But He whose compassions fail never, hath said,
"My child, I will not forget thee!" [Chorus]

Source: The Silver Trumpet: a collection of new and selected hymns; for use in public worship, revival services, prayer and social meetings, and Sunday schools #71