Gracious Lord, our children see,
By Thy mercy we are free,
But shall these, alas, remain
Subjects still of Satan’s reign?
Israel’s young ones, when of old
Pharaoh threatened to withhold,
Then Thy messenger said, “No;
Let the children also go.”
When in righteous ire the Lord
Drawing forth His dreadful sword,
Slew, with an avenging hand,
All the firstborn of the land,
Then Thy people’s doors He passed,
Where the bloody sign was placed;
Hear us now upon our knees
Plead the blood of Christ for these!
Lord, we tremble, for we know
How the fierce, malicious foe,
Wheeling round his watchful flight,
Keeps them ever in his sight.
Spread Thy pinions, King of kings!
Hide them safe beneath Thy wings;
Lest the ravenous bird of prey
Swoop and bear the brood away.
William Cowper