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2863.

[While the' afflicted people weep]

And fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him. —xx. 37.

While the' afflicted people weep
Hardly let their pastor go,
Can he still his distance keep,
No humane emotions know,
Haughty gravity maintain,
Scorn to share the parting pain?
He who knew a father's mind
Must perceive his bowels move,
Must his children's weakness find,
All the tokens of their love
Kindly, cordially receive,
Mix his tears with them that grieve.
Tears of saints! how can it be?
Saints rejoicing evermore,
Signs of man's infirmity,
Proofs of God's almighty power!
He who knows their grief to' explain
Knows the heart of God and man.