A Minister or Brethren Parting on Earth

1.
Dear friends, farewell, I do you tell,
Since you and I must part;
I go away, and here you stay,
But still we're joined in heart.
Your love to me has been most free,
Your conversation sweet;
How can I bear to journey where
With you I cannot meet!

2.
Yet do I find my heart inclined
To do my work below:
When Christ doth call, I trust I shall
Be ready then to go.
I leave you all, both great and small,
In Christ's encircling arms,
Who can you save from the cold grave,
And shield you from all harm.

3.
I trust you'll pray, both night and day,
And keep your garments white,
For you and me, that we may be
The children of the light.
If you die first, anon you must,
The will of God be done
I hope the Lord will you reward,
With an immortal crown.

4.
If I'm called home whilst I am gone,
Indulge no tears for me;
I hope to sing and praise my King,
To all eternity.
Millions of years over the spheres
Shall pass in sweet repose,
While beauty bright unto my sight
Thy sacred sweets disclose.

5.
I long to go, then farewell woe,
My soul will be at rest;
No more shall I complain or sigh,
But taste the heavenly feast.
O may we meet, and be complete,
And long together dwell,
And serve the Lord with one accord
And so, dear friends, farewell.

Source: The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #14

• Audio recording from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #14
• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #14