University of Virginia Library

HYMN 52. (C. M.) Death dreadful, or delightful.

I

Death! 'tis a melancholy day
To those that have no God,
When the poor soul is forc'd away
To seek her last abode.

II

In vain to heaven she lifts her eyes,
But guilt, a heavy chain,
Still drags her downward from the skies
To darkness, fire, and pain.

III

Awake and mourn, ye heirs of hell,
Let stubborn sinners fear,
You must be driven from earth, and dwell
A long for-ever there.

IV

See how the pit gapes wide for you,
And flashes in your face,
And thou, my soul, look downwards too,
And sing recovering grace.

V

He is a God of sovereign love
That promis'd heaven to me,
And taught my thoughts to soar above,
Where happy spirits be.

VI

Prepare me, Lord, for thy right hand,
Then come the joyful day,
Come, death, and some celestial band
To bear my soul away.