In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:19
Words: Karl A. Döring, 1821 (Vater, Sohn und Heiliger Geist). Translated from German to English by James S. Stallybrass (1826–1888).
Music: Straf mich nicht Hundert Arien (Dresden, Germany: 1694) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Döring or Stallybrass (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
Bless the young before Thee;
Thou their wants and dangers know’st
Watch them, we implore Thee.
Here they stand, hopeful band,
Faith in Thee confessing,
Waiting for Thy blessing.
Gentle Savior, they are Thine,
Thou wilt never lose them;
May Thy life and love divine
Melt their tender bosom.
Lord, we pray that they may
All like Thee, be holy,
Loving, meek, and lowly.
Giver Thou of gifts to all,
No good thing deny them;
Hear, O hear our earnest call,
Life and light supply them.
Strength renew, keep them true;
All that stand before Thee,
Bless them, we implore Thee.