114. We Tarry Here In Calm and Peaceful Union

1. We tarry here in calm and peaceful union
To say our fond farewells before we part;
Soon we must break this brotherly communion;
Farewell! Farewell! Now flows from heart to heart.
Yet once again they beat for one another,
“In Jesus’ name, farewell, farewell, dear brother!”

2. So many pleasant hours we’ve spent together;
We’ve lived in unity and in accord;
We’ve learned to understand and love each other;
Our spirits have ascended to the Lord;
Together we have sung the blessed story
And magnified our God, the King of Glory.

3. O let us then preserve this holy ardor,
As Christ, our blessed Savior, did command;
Amid all trials let us bravely harbor
And truly keep the faith in which we stand;
For He who once for us has borne and striven
Waits lovingly to welcome us to heaven.

4. And so farewell to you, beloved brother,
As now we part and say our fond “Farewell!”
Should we, perchance, again meet one another,
Then may we find that in you still doth dwell
The love of Christ, that first and dearest treasure,
That always fills our hearts with grateful pleasure.

5. But should our course be otherwise directed,
Should we on earth no more each other see,
Should death approach more quickly than expected,
Then may the Lord unite us lovingly
In yonder realm of peace and joy forever
Where sun and moon need not be shining ever.

6. Our hands to you in brother-love extending,
Belovéd friends, accept our fond farewell;
God speed you on until your journey ending
And to His throne where you His praise will tell!
We look beyond to those untroubled regions
In hope to join the lamb and all His legions.

7. Farewell, meanwhile, farewell – for we are leaving, -
Let not God’s Word despised, neglected be!
E’er faithfully until your savior cleaving,
His Word, your all in all eternally;
Let none be found pervert in his behavior,
But hold ye fast to Christ, our blesséd Savior.

8. Then fare ye well – we clasp our hand together –
It is perhaps the last that can be given!
O let us look to Christ, our Savior ever, -
He is the way that reaches into heaven!
Now to the love of God we e’er commend you,
Any may the grace of Jesus Christ attend you!