On His Birthday, Hymn 20

Thou heavenly Love, from whom
All holy passions come,
Hear my faith's availing cry,
Now the peaceful answer send,
Author of the social tie,
Giver of my bosom friend.

My bosom-friend receive,
Whom back to Thee I give:
Strength en' d by Thy Spirit's power,
Him I cheerfully resign,
Him I thankfully restore,
Leave him in the arms Divine.

Far from the soul removed,
Whom next to Thee I loved,
Still I bear him on my heart,
To Thy tenderest care commend
With us both if now Thou art,
Be our everlasting Friend.

With us through life abide,
And to Thy glory guide,
Give us, Lord, if not below,
Give us soon to meet above,
All the dignity to know,
All the height of heavenly love.

My longing soul prepare
To meet my brother there;
Him to see at Thy right hand,
Fair in loveliness Divine,
With him in Thy sight to stand,
With him in Thy praise to join.

For this immortal hope
I freely give him up:
Only keep us to that day —
Or if more I may request,
Let me first escape away,
Let me find an earlier rest.

My residue of days
Add to his lengthen'd race:
Or if mercy hath ordain'd
Both at once should take our flight,
Let us suddenly ascend,
Now obtain the blissful sight.

Now j or whene'er Thy will
Shall call us to the hill:
Only give us hearts to pray
Till Thine arms receive us home,
Come, Redeemer, come away,
King of saints triumphant, come.