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Minister's Farewell 69

The Sacred Harp, 2012 Revised Cooper Edition

Composer: Wyeth's Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813
Alto: Arr. Stanley Smith, 2003
Poet: Joshua Smith, 1794
Meter: Common Meter Double (8,6,8,6,8,6,8,6)
Stanza Poetry Source by First Line
1
Dear friends, farewell! I do you tell,
Since you and I must part;
I go away, and here you stay,
But still we're joined in heart.
Your love to me has been most free,
Your conversation sweet;
How can I bear to journey where
With you I cannot meet!
Brethren farewell, I do you tell,, Stanzas 1 & 2
2
Yet do I find my heart inclined
To do my work below;
When Christ doth call I trust I shall
Be ready then to go.
I leave you all, both great and small,
In Christ's encircling arms,
Who can you save from the cold grave,
And shield you from all harms.
Brethren farewell, I do you tell,, Stanzas 3 & 4
3
I trust you'll pray, both night and day,
And keep your garments white,
For you and me, that we may be
The children of the light.
If you die first, anon you must,
The will of God be done;
I hope the Lord will you reward
With an immortal crown.
Brethren farewell, I do you tell,, Stanzas 5 & 6