American Old Time Song Lyrics: 26 The Little Family

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 26

THE LITTLE FAMILY.

There was a little family who lived in Bethany,
Two sisters and a brother dwelt there quite happily;
In praying and in praising, like angels in the sky.
At morning and at evening they raised their voices high.

They lived in peace and quietness through many changing years,
And laid away their treasures beyond the vale of tears;
Though very poor and moneyless, their kindness made amends,
Their home was always open to Jesus and His friends.

But while they lived so happy, so kind, so pure, so good,
Their brother was afflicted, and to his couch confined;
In faithful, patient nursing they with each other vied,
But vain were all their efforts, he lingered on and died.

The Jews came to the sisters and laid Lazarus in the tomb,
They tried to solace, comfort them, and drive away their gloom;
When Jesus heard the tidings in a far-distant land,
He journeyed forth to Bethany to see this little band.

When Martha saw Him coming she met Him on the way,
And told Him that her brother had died and passed away;
He blessed her and He cheered her, and told her not to weep,
For in Him there was the power to raise him from his sleep.

When Mary noticed His approach she ran and met Him, too,
And at His feet, distressful, rehearsed the tale of woe;
Jesus was sorely troubled, He sought to heal their wound,
And wept until they showed Him where Lazarus was entombed.

They rolled away the cov'ring. He looked upon the grave,
And prayed unto His Father this buried friend to save;
When, lol with life and strength renewed young Lazarus arose,
Again on earth to praise the Lord till life once more should close.

So if we but love Jesus, and do His holy will,
Like Martha and like Mary we always serve Him well;
From death He will redeem us, will take us to the sky,
And bid us live forever where pleasures never die.