WE HAVE LOST A FATHER.
Reading edition
The following original hymn by Josiah A. Stearns, Esq., was sung at the obsequies, Jan. 4th, by a choir of young girls from the "Lawrence Association of the Mather School," while surrounding the last earthly remains of their deceased friend.
He has gone—he has gone— To his spirit-home; And, oh! it thrills his soul with joy, In realms of bliss to roam. But we must shed the burning tear To part with him we love; And now for us the world is gloom, Since he has gone above. He has gone—he has gone— To his spirit-home; And, oh! it thrills his soul with joy, In realms of bliss to roam. Weeping eyes—broken hearts— Oft he bid rejoice; And homes of woe were full of praise, That heard his loving voice: For oft he soothed poor sorrow's tear, And wept when they were sad; And many were the orphan-forms His generous bounty clad. Weeping eyes—broken hearts— Oft he did rejoice; And homes of woe were full of praise, That heard his loving voice. Gentle words—heavenly thoughts— Linger where he trod: And, oh! it was our childhood's charm To hear him talk of God. Then let us ever strive to live, As he, our friend, has done; That we may reach the happy life Which he has now begun. Gentle words—heavenly thoughts— Linger where he trod; And, oh! it was our childhood's charm To hear him talk of God. Fare thee well—fare thee well! We around thee weep; But, oh! we love thee, father, still, And angels guard thy sleep. The kind "Old Oak" for us no more Shall sheltering branches spread; And, oh! our hearts are wrung with grief, For he we loved is dead. Fare thee well—fare thee well! We around thee weep; But, oh! we love thee, father, still, And angels guard thy sleep.