Confirmation

He lifts the appointed hand ! He breathes the tone
That none but Apostolic lips may own ;
Yea ! in yon fane by hallowing footsteps trod,
He claims and binds the eternal troth of God !
Keep, youthful pilgrim, keep that pledge and vow,
Heaven's chosen touch hath blest thy happy brow ;
E'en as the coal from off the altar came,
To wake on prophet lips the kindling flame !
Let no heart falter, and no footstep stray ;
Firm be the onward path and pure the way ;
Long let the banners bear the conquering sign,
March, Christian soldier, march ! the ranks of God are thine !