1 Gracious Lord, our children see,
By thy mercy we are free;
But, shall these alas! remain
Subjects still of Satan's reign?
Israel's young ones, when of old
Pharaoh threat'ned to withhold;
Then thy messenger said, "No;
Let the children also go."

2 When the angel of the Lord
Drawing forth his dreadful sword,
Slew with an avenging hand,
All the first-born of the land;
Then thy people's doors he pass'd,
Where the bloody sign was plac'd;
Hear us now upon our knees,
Plead the blood of Christ for these!

3 Lord we tremble for we know
How the fierce malicious foe,
Wheeling round his watchful flight,
Keeps them ever in his sight:
Spread thy pinions King of kings!
Hide them safe beneath thy wings;
Lest the rav'nous birds of prey
Stoop, and bear the brood away.