1 Children of the heavenly Father Safely in His bossom gather; Nestling bird nor star in heaven Such a refuge e’er was given. 2 God His own doth tend and nourish, In His holy love they flourish; From all evil things 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 sorrows all He knoweth. 4 Praise the Lord in joyful numbers, Your Protector never slumbers; At the will of your Defender Every foe-man must surrender. 5 Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne’er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely To preserve them pure and holy.