1 Firmly in my hand I hold
A most precious staff of gold:
It was sent me from on high,
And it points up to the sky.
'Tis the staff of faith I cherish,
And although my body perish
When my earthly life will end,
On this staff I shall depend.

2 And an angel, wondrous fair,
God's own image made to bear,
Quietly dwells in my soul,
Making it both pure and whole.
'Tis love's angel come from heaven,
And to us as guide is given.
May this angel evermore
Join our hearts on yonder shore.

3 And in heaven, from afar,
I behold a radiant star:
How it seems to beckon me,
And its shining light I see.
Star of hope, so brightly shining,
Thou dost keep our hearts from pining;
Leadest us, as here we roam,
On to our celestial home.