I cannot bear thine absence, Lord,

My life expires if thou depart;

Be thou, my heart, still near my God,

And thou, my God, be near my heart.

I was not born for earth or sin,

Nor can I live on things so vile;

Yet I would stay my Father's time,

And hope and wait for heav'n awhile.

Then, dearest Lord, in thine embrace

Let me resign my fleeting breath;

And with a smile upon my face,

Pass the important hour of death.