children of the heavenly father safely in his bosom gather nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e er was given god his own doth tend and nourish in his holy courts they flourish from all evil things he spares them in his mighty arms he bears them neither life nor death shall ever from the lord his children sever unto them his grace he showeth and their sorrows all he knoweth though he giveth or he taketh god his children ne er forsaketh his the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy lo their very hairs he numbers and no daily care encumbers them that share his ev ry blessing and his help in woes distressing praise the lord in joyful numbers your protector never slumbers at the will of your defender ev ry foe man must surrender children of the heavenly father safely in his bosom gather nestling bird nor star in heaven such a refuge e er was given