Already lies my childhood’s home behind me,
Though still I linger on my native ground ;
And here must soon be loosed the ties that bind me,
When moves yon ship, now by her anchor bound.
Friends of my home ! then fare-ye-well, I leave you ;
The sail is spread, the hoisted flag I see ;
Think, when in prayer, of me, nor let it grieve you ;
Mourn not, — remember who has gone with me.’
Missionary Embarkation Hymn (German). As recorded in The Life of John Milne by Horatius Bonar, Banner of Truth Trust, 169.
