For a Dying Friend, Part 4

Away, ye clouds of unbelief;
I cannot sorrow without hope,
My soul enjoys her noble grief,
And fills her Lord's afflictions up,
Touch'd with Divinest sympathy;
For Jesus weeps, and groans in me.

Right precious in His sight the death
Of all His saints and servants is;
Jesus receives their parting breath,
Himself is their eternal bliss:
And now He bids thy warfare end,
He claims the spirit of my friend.

Adieu, dear dying saint, adieu,
The summons of thy Lord obey;
Mighty, and merciful, and true,
He bids thee rise, and come away,
With triumph leave this mouldering clod,
And die into the arms of God.

His everlasting arms are spread,
His faithful mercies never fail,
His hand supports thy sinking head,
With thee He walks through the dark vale;
He whispers, " Child, be of good cheer,
Rejoice in death, for I am here."

Say, are His consolations small?
I read the answer in thine eyes:
Thy smiling looks on sinners call,
And point them to yon opening skies,
From which thy much-loved Lord looks down,
And reaches out a radiant crown.

Thrice happy soul, thy Lord appears;
I feel thou art for ever His,
Weep over thee with joyful tears,
And triumph in thy glorious bliss,
With thee the hidden manna prove,
Thy Lord's unutterable love.

Thy mighty ecstasies I feel,
On thee with eager transport gaze;
Thy forehead bears the Spirit's seal,
And heaven is open'd in thy face;
Thy mounting soul is on the wing,
And hears the choir of angels sing.

Hovering around the new-born heir,
For thee the shining convoy waits,
To God thy spotless soul they bear:
Open, ye everlasting gates,
A wide triumphant entrance give,
The glorious new-born heir receive!

Eternal God of truth and grace,
We magnify Thy faithful love,
We all shall soon behold Thy face,
We all shall take our seats above,
And I shall in Thy kingdom share,
And I shall meet my sister there.