Richly, O richly have I been
Blest evermore by thee;
And morning, noon and night thou hast
Preserved me tenderly.

And yet the love which thou canst claim
To idols I have given,
And I have bound to earth the hopes
That know no home but heaven.

Unworthy to be called thy son,
I come with shame to thee;
Father, O more than Father, thou
Hast always been to me!

Help me to break the heavy chains
The world has round me thrown,
And know the glorious liberty
Of an obedient son.

That I may henceforth heed whate'er
Thy voice within me saith,
Fix deeply in my heart of hearts
The mighty power of faith, —

Faith that, like armor to my soul,
Shall keep all evil out,
More mighty than an angel host
Encamping round about.