Be thou my safeguard, O my God

1 Be thou my safeguard, O my God!
My refuge, tow'r and shield;
The tents of war are my abode,
Set in this martial field.

2 Am I protected by the Lord,
Amidst the loud alarm;
And wreathings of the bloody sword,
My life is kept from harm.

3 Should thousands drop on ev'ry side,
And strangle in their gore;
Yet thou my God canst still provide,
That I may be secure.

4 Make thine almighty arm my trust,
Let me on thee depend,
Whilst I'm in duty bound and must:
My country's cause defend.

5 Make me resign'd unto my fate,
And patiently to bear,
With all the trials, I may meet,
And hardships of a war.

6 For Jesu's sake my sins forgive:
Cause me thy love to know;
Teach me a christian life to live,
As christian soldiers do.

7 I trust unto thy providence,
Thy promises I plead;
My life is safe in thy defence,
In ev'ry time of need.

8 And should it be my lot and fate,
Here to resign my breath;
May I be in that happy state:
To die with living faith.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CCCXXVI