1 WHY should we start, and fear to die? 3 The pains, the groans, and dying strife, 3 O, if my Lord would come and meet, 4 Jesus can make a dying bed God the Author of Mercies and Afflictions. 1 NAKED, as from the earth we came, 2 The dear delights we here enjoy, Are but short favors borrowed now, 3 'T is God who lifts our comforts high, He gives, and, blessed be his name, 4 Peace, all our angry passions, then; 5 If smiling mercy crown our lives, 12 & 11s. M. 650. HEBER. Farewell to a Friend departed. 1 THOU art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee, Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb; The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee, And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom. 2 Thou art gone to the grave; we no longer behold thee, Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy side; But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee, And sinners may hope, since the Siour hath died. Thou art gone to the grave; and, its mansion forsaking, Perchance thy weak spirit in doubt lingered long; But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking, And the sound thou didst hear was the sera phim’s song. 4 Thou art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee, Since God was thy Refuge, thy Guardian, thy He gave thee, he took thee, and he will restore thee; And death has no sting, since the Saviour hath died. 8 & 7s. M. 651. S. F. SMITH. The Death of a Sister. 1 SISTER, thou wast mild and lovely, 2 Peaceful be thy silent slumber,— 3 Dearest sister, thou hast left us; 4 Yet again we hope to meet thee, Then in heaven with joy to greet thee, L. M. 652. Death of Parents. FAWCETT. 1 THE God of mercy will indulge 2 Yet not one anxious, murmuring thought 3 Parent, Protector, Guardian, Guide, 4 To thee, our Father, would we look, L. M. 653. GASKELL. The Light of the Gospel on the Tomb. 1 DARK, dark indeed, the grave would be, 2 But fearless now we rest in faith; 3 Sad, sad indeed, 't would be to part 4 But calmly now we see them go Where pure affections never die. 6 & 4s. M. 654. MRS. HEMANS. For Support in Death. 1 LOWLY and solemn be Thy children's cry to thee, A hymn of suppliant breath, 2 O Father, in that hour When earth all succoring power When spear and shield and crown 3 By him who bowed to take From whom the last dismay |