424. Thy Cross, O Lord, the holy sign

Thy Cross, O Lord, the holy sign

That we, thereafter, should be Thine,

Was traced upon our infant brow,

And shall we fear to own it now?

O God, forbid; before the vain,

The proud, tin; scoffing, the profane,

We will, through grace, our Lord confess,

His faint but faithful witnesses.

His strength in weakness He displays,

From youthful lips He perfects praise,

And we, His little soldiers, stand

Strong in the might of His right hand.

Smile on us, Lord, and we will fear

Nor scorn, nor shame, whilst Thou art near;

Reproach is glory, suffering rest,

If borne for Thee, if by Thee blest.

Great Judge of all, in that dread day,

When heaven and earth shall flee away,

Before the universe confess

Thy faint but faithful witnesses.