When far from the hearts where our fondest thoughts center,

Denied for a time their loved presence to share;

In spirit we meet, when the closet we enter,

And hold sweet communion together in prayer!

2 O! fondly I think, as night’s curtains surround them,

The Shepherd of Israel tenderly keeps,

The angels of light are encamping around them,

They are watched by the eye that ne’er slumbers nor sleeps,

3 When the voice of the morning once more shall awake them,

And summon them forth to the calls of the day,

I will think of that God who will never forsake them,

The Friend ever near though all else be away.

4 Then why should one thought of anxiety seize us,

Though distance divide us from those whom we love?

They rest in the covenant mercy of Jesus,

Their prayers meet with ours in the mansions above.

5 O! sweet bond of friendship, whate’er may betide us,

Though on life’s stormy billows our barks may be driven,

Though distance, or trial, or death may divide us,

Eternal re-union awaits us in heaven.