Classic Poem

O God our strength, our hope, our rock,
Whose promise faileth never,
Into Thy chosen blood-bought flock
Receive this child, for ever.

Now seal'd with Thy thrice holy Name
In these baptismal waters,
For him a place we humbly claim
Among Thy sons and daughters.

We stamp the cross upon his brow,
The symbol of Thy passion;
O Christ, vouchsafe his earliest vow
May be his life's confession.

This banner over him unfurl'd,
May he fight on, subduing
The flesh, the devil, and the world, —
His strength in Thee renewing.

May nothing, Lord, in life or death
From Thee Thy servant sever: —
Thy soldier true to plighted faith,
Henceforward, and for ever.