1 See, where a tender mother fondly bends,
With sweet affection o’er her first-born child!
And even thus our Father’s care extends
O’er all on whom His saving grace hath smiled.
2 Can He withdraw that everlasting love,
Which on His own redeemèd ones hath shone?
Or can that free, exhaustless grace remove
From those whom He hath chosen in His Son?
3 Shall the belovèd child His grace hath sealed,
Like a sad orphan dwell on earth forlorn?
Or would the way of life have been revealed,
And then a Father’s guiding hand withdrawn?
4 O child of God! confide in simple faith
In Him who watches o’er thee from the skies;
Sweetly repose on all thy Savior saith,
And still to Him lift up thy longing eyes.
5 Gracious Redeemer! teach my waiting heart
To trust in Thee, when anxious cares assail;
Thy voice of love can bid all grief depart,
My heavenly Shepherd’s care can never fail.