What memories are stirred within me

Why do we mourn departing friends,
Or shake at death's alarms?
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends,
To call them to his arms.

1 What mem'ries are stilled within me,
Recalled by that hymn so dear,
That mother oft sang in my childhood
So tenderly, sweet and dear;
Tho' she has long since departed,
I still, in my heart, can hear
The voice of my mother singing
That hymn, to the tune of Mear.

Refrain:
And I feel that when resting up yonder,
Where cometh no grief or pain;
I may hear from my dear sainted mother,
That grand old tune again.

2 I think of my early childhood,
So blest by her tender care,
I think how she knelt down beside me
And taught me that holy prayer:
"Our father, who art in heaven,"
Then soft as a bird and clear,
The hymn, that such comfort gave her,
She sang to the tune of Mear. [Refrain]

3 The depth of my soul's affection,
Alas, I could never tell,
Till called to her beside, when dying,
She bade me a long farewell;
Then smiling she whispered faintly,
In tones that I scarce could hear,
"Why mourn for the friends departing?
O sing to the tune of Mear." [Refrain]

4 No wonder my eyes are weeping
Such bitter and lonely tears,
The hymn and the tune we were singing
Have opened a grave of years;
And when in a grave by mother,
They pillow my head to rest,
My spirit with hers shall mingle
With sorrow no more oppressed. [Refrain]

Source: Joy to the World: or, sacred songs for gospel meetings #67