Classic Poem

Why should we ask for wings to fly
From trouble, sin, and care,
Since Christ the Lord hath promised grace
To help us where we are?

What though our enemies assail
With clouds of poisoned darts,
And Satan, chief of foes, assault
Our souls with hellish arts?

God is our shield, a sure defence,
Our help in danger's hour;
Nor are our foemen strong enough
To stand before His power.

Will not the father help the child?
The bridegroom save the bride?
May not the shepherd's trembling lamb
In his own bosom hide?

God is our Father, Christ our Lord, —
Our Shepherd, Husband, Friend;
And we His children, bride, and flock,
Are safe till time shall end.

He 'll put His strength beneath our load,
And thus our burdens bear;
He 'll put His wisdom in our hearts,
A guide from every snare.

And He will arm us for the strife,
However fierce it be,
With weapons tempered in the skies,
With heaven-made panoply.

Bright Hope shall place his helmet on
Our feeble heads and bare,
And Faith his shield hang on our breast,
That we may do and dare.

And Love shall fill our fearful souls
With courage of Saint Paul,
That though our foes be strong as his,
Like him we 'll meet them all.

Then we 'll not ask, with trembling lips,
For wings to fly away,
But, with the conqueror's armor on,
We 'll stand and win the day.