"Our Father," — covenant and sacred Name

"Our Father," — covenant and sacred Name
Pledge of the dearest privilege we claim,
The right of children, venturing near Thee, —
Children, in Christ, of Thine own family:
Thy truth, — Thy tenderness we turn to prove,
Like little ones around the parent knee,
Clinging in helpless confidence and love.
Yet, — lest the fondness of Thy fav'ring smile
To too familiar commune should beguile, —
The recollection that in heav'n Thou art
Calms the wild fervour of each glowing heart,
Subdues, but elevates those thoughts divine,
Whose mystic union awe and hope combine,
That Thou art mighty, yet that we are Thine.