Across the River

1 When for me the silent oar
Parts the silent river,
And I stand upon the shore
Of the strange forever,
Shall I miss the loved and known?
Shall I vainly seek my own?
Shall I miss the loved and known?
Vainly seek my own?

2 Can the bonds that make us here
Know ourselves immortal,
Drop away like foliage sere
At life's inner portal?
What is holiest below
Must forever live and grow;
What is holiest below
Must forever grow.

3 He who plants within our hearts
All this deep affection,
Giving, when the form departs,
Fadeless recollection,
Will but clasp the unbroken chain
Closer when we meet again;
Will but clasp the unbroken chain
When we meet again.

4 Therefore dread I not to go
O'er the silent river;
Death, thy hastening oar I know;
Bear me, thou life giver!
Through the waters to the shore,
When mine own have gone before;
Through the waters in the shore,
Where they're gone before.

Source: The Morning Stars Sang Together: a book of religious songs for Sunday schools and the home circle #85