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When the heart at parting bleeds,

As our native land recedes,

And the sternly tossing main

Takes us to its breast again,

Heavenly Father, soothe our woe,

Guide us, wheresoe'er we go.



When the lonely watch we keep,

Silent, on the midnight deep;

While the boisterous surges hoarse.

Bear us darkly on our course;

Eye, that never slumbers! shed

Holy influence on our head.

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When the Sabbath's peaceful ray

O'er the Ocean's breast doth play,

Though no throngs assemble there,

No sweet church-bell warns to prayer,

Spirit! let thy presence be,

Sabbath to the unresting sea.



When the raging billows dark,

Thundering toss our threatened bark,

Thou, who on the whelming wave

Didst the meek disciple save—

Thou, who hear'st us when we pray,

Jesus! Saviour! be our stay.



When in foreign lands we roam,

Far from kindred and from home,

Stranger eyes our conduct viewing,

Heathen bands our steps pursuing,

Let our conversation be

Fitting those that follow thee.

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