Farewell! I say with gladness

1 Farewell! I say with gladness,
False, evil world, farewell!
Thy life is sin and sadness,
With thee I would not dwell;
In heaven are better pleasures,
I long for that bright sphere
Where God grants endless treasures
To those that served Him here.

2 Do with me as it pleases
Thy heart, O Son of God!
When anguish on me seizes,
Help me to bear my load;
Nor then my sorrows lengthen,
But take me hence on high;
My fearful spirit strengthen,
And let me calmly die.

3 When all around is darkling,
Thy name and cross, still bright,
Deep in my heart are sparkling
Like stars in blackest night.
Appear Thou in Thy sorrow,
For Thine was woe indeed,
And from Thy cross I borrow
All comfort heart can need.

4 Thou diedst for me,--O hide me
When tempests round me roll;
Through all my foes, O guide me,
Receive my trembling soul.
If I but grasp Thee firmer,
What matters pain when past?
Hath he a cause to murmur
Who reaches heaven at last?