The New English Hymnal ‎#371

371. He wants not friends that hath thy love

1 He wants not friends that hath thy love,
And may converse and walk with thee
And with thy saints, here and above,
With whom forever I must be.

2 Within the fellowship of saints
Is wisdom, safety and delight;
And when my heart declines and faints,
It’s raisèd by their heat and light.

3 As for my friends, they are not lost:
The several vessels of thy fleet
Though parted now, by tempests tossed,
Shall safely in the haven meet.

4 We still are centred all in thee,
Though distant, members of one Head;
Within one family we be,
And by one faith and spirit led.

5 Before thy throne we daily meet
As joint-petitioners to thee;
In spirit each the other greet,
And shall again each other see.

6 The heavenly hosts, world without end,
Shall be my company above;
And thou, my best and surest Friend,
Who shall divide me from thy love?

Text Information

• First Line: He wants not friends that hath thy love
• Author: Richard Baxter, 1615-91 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1986
• Topic: Funerals and The Departed

Tune Information

• Name: CAMERONIAN MIDNIGHT HYMN
• Meter: LM
• Key: A Major
• Source: Scottish Hymn Melody