Classic Poem

We join our gladsome voices,
To praise our heavenly king,
Each youthful heart rejoices,
Its tribute thus to bring;
If with celestial manna,
Our hungry souls are fed,
Well may we sing hosanna,
To Christ, the Church's head.

While life is in its blossom,
And we are free from care,
Lord, take us to thy bosom,
And fold us safely there;
As we in age are growing,
May we in grace increase,
Till every heart is knowing,
Religion's holy peace.

From earth—that magic charmer,
Release us by Thy might,
And may we keep our armor,
For Christian warfare bright.
At last from Death's dominion,
Redeemer, set us free,
That so, on seraph pinion,
We all may soar to thee.