University of Virginia Library


409

A HYMN FOR MY DEAREST FRIENDS. [1760.]

God, be mercifully near,
Object of my father's fear;
Me into Thy favour take,
Me preserve for Jesu's sake.
With Thy kind protection bless'd,
Calm I lay me down to rest;
All I have to Thee resign,
Lodge them in the arms Divine:
Her, my dearest earthly friend,
To Thy guardian love commend;
Day and night her Keeper be,
Knit her simple heart to Thee.
Make the little ones Thy care;
Bear them, in Thy bosom bear;
Mark'd with the Good Shepherd's sign,
Keep my lambs for ever Thine.