When shall we meet again? Meet ne’er to sever? When will Peace wreathe her chain Round us for ever? Our hearts will ne’er repose Safe from each blast that blows In this dark vail of woes, Never—no, never!
2 When shall love freely flow, Pure as life’s river? When shall sweet friendship glow, Changeless for ever? Where joys celestial thrill, Where bliss each heart shall fill, And fears of parting chill, Never—no, never!
3 Up to that world of light Take us, dear Saviour; May we all there unite, Happy for ever: Where kindred spirits dwell, There may our music swell, And time our joys dispel, Never—no, never!
4 Soon shall we meet again, Meet ne’er to sever: Soon shall Peace wreathe her chain Round us for ever: Our hearts will then repose Secure from worldly woes; Our songs of praise shall close, Never—no, never!
505 C. P. M. He that dwelleth in love, etc. 1 John 4:16.
O love divine, how sweet thou art! When shall I find my wandering heart All taken up in thee! O may I daily live to prove The sweetness of redeeming love, The love of Christ to me.
2 God only knows the love of God; O may it now be shed abroad To cheer my fainting heart! I want to feel that love divine; This heavenly portion, Lord, be mine— Be mine this better part.
3 O that I could for ever sit With Mary at the Master’s feet! Be this my happy choice; My only care, delight, and bliss, My joy, my heaven on earth, be this, To hear the Bridegroom’s voice.
4 O that I might, with happy John, Recline my weary head upon The blessed Redeemer’s breast! From care, and fear, and sorrow free, Give me, O Lord, to find in thee My everlasting rest.
506 6s, 4s & 5s. A parting hymn.
Peacefully, tenderly, Here, as we part, The farewell that lingers Be breathed from the heart: No place more fitting, O house of the Lord— Here be it spoken, That last prayerful word.
2 Thoughtfully, carefully, Solemn and slow! Tears are bedewing The path that we go; Perils before us We know not to-day— Kindly and safely, O Lord, lead the way.
3 Upwardly, steadfastly, Gaze on that brow: Jesus, our Leader, Reigns conqueror now. His steps let us follow, His sufferings dare, Go up to glory, His blessedness share.
4 Patiently, cheerfully, Up, and depart To labor and duty With gladness of heart; The ransomed, with triumph, To Zion we’ll bring, Shouting salvation To Jesus, our King.
507 L. M. Pilgrim’s farewell.
Farewell, my friends, time rolls along, Nor waits for mortal care or bliss; I leave you here to travel on, Till I arrive where Jesus is. Chorus.—Farewell, farewell, farewell, My Christian friends, farewell.
2 Farewell, my brethren in the Lord, To you I’m bound in cords of love, Yet we believe his gracious word, That we ere long shall meet above.
3 Farewell, old soldiers of the cross, You’ve struggled long and hard for heaven, You’ve counted all things here but dross, Fight on, the crown will soon be given.
4 Farewell, poor careless sinners, too, It grieves my soul to leave you here. Eternal sorrow waits for you, O turn, and find salvation near.
508 10s & 8s. Waiting on God. Isaiah. 40:31.
O happy children who follow Jesus Into the house of prayer and praise, And join in union while love increases, Resolved this way to spend our days: Although we’re hated by the world and Satan, By the flesh and such as love not God; Yet happy moments and joyful seasons We ofttimes find on Canaan’s road.
2 Since we’ve been waiting on lovely Jesus, We’ve felt some strength come from above, Our hearts have burned with holy rapture, We long to be absorbed in love: Let us sing praises for what is given, And trust in God for time to come; Sure we shall find the way to heaven; So farewell, brethren—we’re going home.
3 And as we go let us praise our Saviour, And pray for those who spurn his grace, Lest they should lose love’s richest treasure, And ne’er enjoy his smiling face. Now here’s my hand and my best wishes, In token of my Christian love; In hopes with you to praise my Jesus: So farewell, brethren,—we’ll meet above.
509 C. P. M. Heavenward. Col. 3:2.
Come on, my partners in distress, My comrades in the wilderness, Who feel your sorrows still; A while forget your griefs and fears And look beyond this vale of tears To that celestial hill.
2 Beyond the bounds of time and space, Look forward to that heavenly place, The saint’s secure abode; On faith’s strong eagle pinions rise, And force your passage to the skies, And scale the mount of God.
3 Who suffer with our Master here, Shall there before his face appear, And by his side sit down: To patient faith the prize is sure; And all that to the end endure The cross, shall wear the crown.