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]

Source: Songs of the New Life: with Songs of Redeeming Love Combined: for use in gospel meetings, etc. #93