MY BAPTISMAL BIRTH-DAY

God's child in Christ adopted,— Christ my all,—

What that earth boasts were not lost cheaply, rather

Than forfeit that blest name, by which I call

The Holy One, the Almighty God, my Father?—

Father! in Christ we live, and Christ in Thee —

Eternal Thou, and everlasting we.

The heir of heaven, henceforth I fear not death:

In Christ I live! in Christ I draw the breath

Of the true life!— Let then earth, sea, and sky

Make war against me! On my heart I show

Their mighty master's seal. In vain they try

To end my life, that can but end its woe.—

Is that a death-bed where a Christian lies?—

Yes! but not his —‘ tis Death itself there dies.