This text comes from A First Series of Hymns and Songs, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.
When Jesus halted on his way,
And many thronged to see,
Though some forbade, yet would he say,
"Come, little ones, to me."
Oh, happy then that infant band
That gathered round his knee,
And happy they who kiss'd the hand
That bled to set them free.
Had I been near him on that day,
His gracious smile to see;
Had I been near to hear him say,
"Come, little ones, to me;"—
Oh, what were then a throne above
Or seraph's seat on high,
Compared with one sweet glance of love
From that all-pitying eye!
Yet, hast thou not, my Lord and God,
Though on thy throne above,
Still here on earth thy own abode,
The Altar of thy love?
Oh, thither, then, let me repair,
Thy gracious smile to see,
And hear thee say in stillness there,
"Come, little one, to me."