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James Montgomery (1771-1854).
FOR ever with the Lord ! Amen ! so let it be ; Life from the dead is iii that word, 'Tis immortality. Here, in the body pent, Absent from him I roam, Yet nightly pitch my moving tent A day's march nearer home.
My Father's house on high.
Home of my soul, how near At times, to faith's foreseeing eye.
Thy golden gates appear !
Ah ! then my spirit faints
To reach the land I love. The bright inheritance of saints,
Jerusalem above.
For ever with the Lord !
Father, if 'tis thy will. The promise of that faithful word
Even here to me fulfil :
Be thou at my right hand.
Then can I never fail ; Uphold thou me, and I shall stand ;
Fight, and I must prevail.
So, when my latest breath Shall rend the veil in twain.
By death I shall escape from death, And life eternal gain. Knowing as I am known. How shall I love that word,
And oft repeat before the throne, ' For ever with the Lord ! '
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