Scripture Verse

Forsake not the law of thy mother. Proverbs 6:20

Introduction

portrait
Ephraim E. Matthews (1886–1972)

Words & Mu­sic: Ephraim E. Mat­thews, in Truth and Hope (Hud­son, North Ca­ro­li­na: Teach­ers’ Mu­sic Pub­lish­ing, 1919), num­ber 19 (🔊 pdf nwc). In me­mo­ry of my dear sis­ter, Mrs. Co­ra C. Schults, who was called to her re­ward, June 14, 1915.

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Mat­thews (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Mother’s gone far, far away,
Gone to dwell with saints for aye;
Safe in Heav’n, a crown to wear,
’Mid the scenes so bright and fair.

Refrain

Yes, we’ll meet our saint­ed mo­ther,
In the home so far away,
When we cross death’s si­lent ri­ver,
Reach the land of end­less day.

When we placed her in the grave,
Back to earth the dear form gave,
Grief was ours no tongue can tell—
’Twas so sad, that last fare­well!

Refrain

Will you meet her in that land,
Clasp again her gen­tle hand?
There our Sav­ior reigns alone,
Parting hours are ne­ver known.

Refrain