Classic Poem

Thereof be therefore heedful,
Them favor not the less,
Supply with all things needful
In this our great distress.

And when Thou me shalt gather,
Out of this Land of Life,
Be Thou my children's Father,
A Husband to my wife.

When I to them must never
Speak more with tongue or pen,
And they be barred forever
To see my face again —

Preserve them from each folly,
Which, ripening into sin,
Makes root and branch unholy,
And brings destruction in.

Let not this world bewitch them
With her besotting wine,
But let Thy grace enrich them
With faith and love divine.

And whilst we live together,
Let us upon Thee call,
Help to prepare each other,
For what may yet befall:

So just, so faithful-hearted,
So constant let us be,
That when we here are parted,
We may all meet in Thee.