Testo Hicks' Farewell

My time is swiftly rolling on When I must faint and die; My body to the dust return And there fergotten lie. Let persecution rage around And Antichrist appear; My silent dust beneath the ground; There's no disturbance there. To call poor sinners to repent And seek their Savior dear. My brother preachers, boldly speak And stand on Zion's wall. Confirm the drunk, confirm the weak And after sinners call. My loving wife, my bosom friend, The object of my love, The time's been sweet l've spent with you, My sweet and harmless dove, My little children near my heart My warm affections know. From each the path will I attend. O from them can I go?! O God, a father to them be And keep them from all harm, That they may love and worship Thee And dwell upon Thy charm. How often you have looked fer me And often seen me come. But now I must depart from thee And nevermore return. My loving wife, don't grieve fer me, Neither lament nor mourn; Fer I will with my Jesus be And dwell upon his charm.