Farewell I gladly bid Thee, False, evil world, farewell! Thy life is dark and sinful, With thee I would not dwell: In heav'n are joys untroubled, I long for that bright sphere Where God rewards them doubled, Who serv'd Him truly here. | Do with me as it pleases Thy heart, O Son of God; When anguish on me seizes, Help me to bear my load; Nor then my sorrows lengthen, But take me hence on high; My fearful heart, oh strengthen, And let me calmly die. | When all around is darkling, Thy name and cross, still bright, Deep in my heart are sparkling, Like stars in blackest night; Appear Thou in Thy sorrow, For Thine was woe indeed, And from Thy cross I borrow All comfort heart can need. | Thou diedst for me,--oh hide me When tempests round me roll; Through all my foes, oh guide me, Receive my trembling soul: If I but grasp Thee firmer, What matters pain when past? Hath he a cause to murmur Who reaches heaven at last? | Oh write my name, I pray Thee, Now in the book of life; So let me here obey Thee, And there, where joys are rife, For ever bloom before Thee, Thy perfect freedom prove, And tell, as I adore Thee, How faithful was Thy love. | |