1 Children of the heavenly Father
safely in his bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e'er was given.
2 God his own shall tend and nourish;
in his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil powers he spares them;
in his mighty arms he bears them.
3 Neither life nor death shall ever
from the Lord his children sever;
Unto them His grace he showeth,
And their sor-rows all he knoweth.
4 Tho' He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne'er forsaketh;
his the loving purpose solely
to preserve them pure and holy.
