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FOR a season called to part,
   Let us then ourselves commend
To the gracious eye and heart
Of our ever-present Friend.
 
2  Jesus, hear our humble prayer!
Tender Shepherd of Thy sheep!
Let Thy mercy and Thy care
All our souls in safety keep.
 
3  In Thy strength may we be strong!
Sweeten every cross and pain:
Give us, if we live, ere long
Here to meet in peace again.
 
4  Then, for all Thy love outpoured,
We shall join in prayer and praise;
And our souls shall bless the Lord
Who has watched o’er all our ways.
 
John Newton, 1725-1807‡