Classic Poem

To thine eternal arms, O God,
Take us, thine erring children in;
From dangerous paths too boldly trod,
From wandering thought and dreams of sin.

Those arms were round our childhood's ways,
A guard through helpless years to be;
O leave not our maturer days!
We still are helpless without thee.

We trusted hope and pride and strength;
Our strength proved false, our pride was vain.
Our dreams have faded all at length,
We come to thee, O Lord, again!

A guide to trembling steps yet be!
Give us of thine eternal power!
So shall our paths all lead to thee.
And life still smile, like child-hood's hour.