195. “Live Peaceably!” Thus Said the Lord

1. “Live peaceably!” Thus said the Lord
To loved ones to Him cleaving.
Beloved, learn this from His Word,
As born of God, believing.
And this today
To you I say,
That ye may never waver;
Though I depart,
You have my heart
Until we meet forever.

2. My heart is overcome with pain
And sorely I am grieving,
For so the Master did ordain
That you I must be leaving.
A dread that’s strong
Filled me so long,
I shall forget it never.
Though I depart,
You have my heart -
Could I forget you ever?

3. In Christ’s own Spirit then abide,
As it to you is given;
Firm on this Rock, whate’er betide,
Strive for the goal of heaven!
Beloved, lo, I give you now
This counsel for your keeping:
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To share your joy and weeping.

4. We’ve lived in peace together here,
As all can see most clearly;
We’ve lived as Christians who would bear
The Savior’s name sincerely, -
E’en as all do
Whose faith is true;
And hence I leave with sadness,
Though I depart,
You have my heart
To think of you with gladness.

5. My loving friends, full many a tear
Have I shed for you, weeping;
This has been done in love sincere
While I my watch was keeping.
For night and day
My heart did pray:
God keep you every hour!
Though I depart,
You have my heart
That you with love will shower.

6. Ye fathers all, with courage bold,
In service true abiding,
Keep faithful charge of all the fold,
God is to you confiding;
Until the Lord,
As your reward,
About His throne will place you!
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In love it doth embrace you.

7. Ye children, in obedience live
Unto your fathers ever;
As God hath taught, for concord strive,
For love, and then forever
A peace that’s blest
On each will rest,
And joy in Christ, your Savior!
Though I depart,
You have my heart, -
Let wisdom teach behavior.

8. All praise to God who strengthened us
And guided every member!
O turn to prayer, and in them thus
My needs also remember;
Prayer is not vain,
But as a chain
In God unites us ever.
Though I depart,
You have my heart,
In Jesus’ Name forever!