HYMN 3. (C. M.) The Death and Burial of a Saint.
I
Why do we mourn departing friends?
Or shake at death's alarms?
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to his arms.
II
Are we not tending upward too
As fast as time can move?
Nor would we wish the hours more slow
To keep us from our love.
III
Why should we tremble to convey
Their bodies to the tomb?
There the dear flesh of Jesus lay,
And left a long perfume.
IV
The graves of all his saints he bless'd,
And soften'd every bed;
Where should the dying members rest,
But with the dying head?
V
Thence he arose, ascending high,
And shew'd our feet the way;
Up to the Lord our flesh shall fly
At the great rising-day.
VI
Then let the last loud trumpet sound,
And bid our kindred rise,
Awake, ye nations under ground,
Ye saints, ascend the skies.
