600 Praise God, this hour of sorrow

1 Praise God, this hour of sorrow Shall bring a brighter morrow: I go to Paradise. My mother dear and father, When round my grave you gather, Lay me to rest with songs of praise. 2 What better can befall me Than that the Lord doth call me From hence, where sin holds sway? Who is on earth a stranger Must ever be in danger, Till God hath closed life's fleeting day. 3 God takes His own from anguish And pain, in which they languish Within this vale of tears, And gives them to inherit The crown that Christ did merit: The joy of heaven's eternal years. 4 I was on earth your treasure When now I know but pleasure Ye weep in bitter woe; Believe, whate'er betideth, God's love in all abideth, And soon your tears shall cease to flow. 5 Our days the Lord appointeth, He woundeth and anointeth, He knoweth all things well. No evil He effecteth, No good He e'er neglecteth, And all His works His glory tell. 6 When ye shall see me nearing The throne of God, appearing Adorned and crowned a bride, My palms of victory swinging, 'Midst Hallelujahs ringing, In beauteous grace the Lamb beside: 7 Ye both shall rue the sadness That made you weep, and gladness E'er in your hearts shall reign, Who follows where God guideth, And takes what He provideth, Shall know surcease from all his pain. 8 Farewell, I now must leave you; The grief this day doth give you Soon others, too, shall bear. Be ye to God commended; In heaven all woe is ended And we shall meet in glory there.