When friend from friend is parting

When friend from friend is parting,
And in each speaking eye
The silent tears are starting
To tell what words deny,
How could we bear the heavy load
Of such heart-agony,
Could we not cast it all — our God —
Our gracious God — on Thee?
And feel that Thou kind watch wilt keep
When we are far away,
That Thou wilt soothe us when we weep,
And hear us when we pray.

Yet, oft these hearts will whisper,
That better 'twould betide
If we were near the friends we love
And watching by their side;
But sure Thou'lt love them dearer, Lord,
For trusting Thee alone!
And sure, Thou wilt draw nearer, Lord,
The farther we are gone;
Then why be sad? since Thou wilt keep
Watch o'er them day by day,
Since Thou wilt soothe them when they weep,
And hear us when we pray.

Oh for that bright and happy land
Where — far amid the blest —
"The wicked cease from troubling, and
The weary are at rest;"
Where friends are never parted
Once met around Thy throne,
And none are broken-hearted
Since all with Thee are one!
Yet oh, till then watch o'er us keep
While far from Thee away,
And soothe us, Lord, oft as we weep,
And hear us when we pray!