Though I walk the downward shade, Deepening through the vail of death, Yet I will not be afraid, But, with my departing breath, I will glory in my God, In my Saviour I will trust, Strengthened by his staff and rod, While this body falls to dust.
2 Soon on wings, on wings of love, My transported soul shall rise, Like the home-returning dove, Vanishing through boundless skies: Then, where death shall be no more, Sin nor suffering e’er molest, All my days of mourning o’er, In his presence I shall rest.
1072 7s, double. The spirit shall return to, etc. Eccl. 12:7.
Deathless spirit, now arise! Soar, thou native of the skies! Pearl of price, by Jesus bought, To his glorious likeness wrought, Go, to shine before his throne, Deck his mediatorial crown; Go, his triumph to adorn; Made for God, to God return.
2 Lo! he beckons from on high! Fearless to his presence fly; Thine the merit of his blood, Thine the righteousness of God! Angels, joyful to attend, Hovering round thy pillow bend, Wait, to catch the signal given, And escort thee quick to heaven.
3 Is thy earthly house distressed, Willing to retain its guest? ’Tis not thou, but it, must die— Fly, celestial tenant, fly! Burst thy shackles, drop thy clay, Sweetly breathe thyself away, Singing, to thy crown remove, Swift of wing, and fired with love.
1073 C. M. D. A soldier of renown.
Fallen—on Zion’s battle-field, A soldier of renown, Armed in the panoply of God, In conflict cloven down! His helmet on his armor bright, His cheek unblanched with fear— While round his head there gleamed a light, His dying hour to cheer.
2 Fallen—while cheering with his voice The sacramental host, With banners floating on the air— Death found him at his post; In life’s high prime the warfare closed, But not ingloriously; He fell beyond the outer wall, And shouted, victory!
[3 Fallen—a holy man of God, An Israelite indeed, A standard bearer of the cross, Mighty in word and deed— A master spirit of the age, A bright and burning light, Whose beams across the firmament Scattered the clouds of night.]
4 Fallen—as sets the sun at eve, To rise in splendor where His kindred luminaries shine, Their heaven of bliss to share; Beyond the stormy battle-field He reigns in triumph now, Sweeping a harp of wondrous song, With glory on his brow!
1074 8s & 7s. Suffer little children to come unto me. Matt. 19:14.
They are going—only going— Jesus called them long ago; All the wintery time they’re passing, Softly as the falling snow. When the violets in the spring-time Catch the azure of the sky, They are carried out to slumber Sweetly where the violets lie.
2 They are going—only going— When with summer earth is dressed, In their cold hands holding roses Folded to each silent breast; When the autumn hangs red banners Out above the harvest sheaves, They are going—ever going— Thick and fast, like falling leaves.
3 All along the mighty ages, All adown the solemn time, They have taken up their homeward March to that serener clime, Where the watching, waiting angels Lead them from the shadow dim, To the brightness of his presence Who has called them unto him.
4 They are going—only going— Out of pain and into bliss— Out of sad and sinful weakness Into perfect holiness. Snowy brows—no care shall shade them; Bright eyes—tears shall never dim; Rosy lips—no time shall fade them: Jesus called them unto him.
5 Little hearts for ever stainless— Little hands as pure as they— Little feet by angels guided, Never a forbidden way! They are going—ever going— Leaving many a lonely spot; But ’tis Jesus who has called them— Suffer and forbid them not.
1075 8s & 7s. Homeward.
Dropping down the troubled river To the tranquil, tranquil shore, Where the sweet light shineth ever, And the sun goes down no more.
2 Dropping down the winding river To the wide and welcome sea, Where no tempest wrecketh ever, Where the sky is fair and free.
3 Dropping down the rapid river, To the dear and deathless land, Where the living live for ever At the Father’s own right hand.
1076 8s & 7s. Sister, thou wast mild and lovely.
Sister, thou wast mild and lovely, Gentle as the summer breeze, Pleasant as the air of evening, When it floats among the trees.
2 Peaceful be thy silent slumber— Peaceful in the grave so low: Thou no more wilt join our number; Thou no more our songs shalt know.
3 Dearest sister, thou hast left us; Here thy loss we deeply feel; But ’tis God that hath bereft us: He can all our sorrows heal.
4 Yet again we hope to meet thee, When the day of life is fled, Then in heaven with joy to greet thee, Where no farewell tear is shed.