567. 12s. & 11s. M. Heber. Farewell to a Friend Departed.

1 Thou art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee; Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb;
The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee; And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom.

2 Thou art gone to the grave; we no longer behold thee, Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy side: But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee, And sinners may hope, since the Saviour hath died.

3 Thou art gone to the grave; and, its mansion forsaking, Perchance thy weak spirit in doubt lingered long;
But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking, And the sound thou didst hear was the seraphim's song.

4 Thou art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee; Since God was thy Refuge, thy Guardian, thy Guide;
He gave thee, he took thee, and he will restore thee; And death has no sting, since the Saviour hath died.