Parting Hand

My dearest friends, in bonds of love

Whose hearts in sweetest union join

Your friendship like a drawing band

Yet we must take the parting hand

Your company's sweet, your union dear

Your words delightful to my ear

Yet when I see that we must part

You draw like cords around my heart

How sweet the hours have passed away

Since we have met to sing and pray

How loath we are to leave the place

Where Jesus shows His smiling face

Oh could I stay with friends so kind

How would it cheer my drooping mind

But duty makes me understand

That we must take the parting hand

How oft I've seen your flowing tears

And heard you tell your hopes and fears

Your hearts with love were seen to flame

Which makes me hope we'll meet again

Your company's sweet, your union dear

Your words delightful to my ear

Yet when I see that we must part

You draw like cords around my heart