2 They die in Jesus, and are blessed: How kind their slumbers are! From sufferings and from sins released, And freed from every snare. 3 Far from this world of toil and strife, They 're present with the Lord! The labors of their mortal life End in a large reward. 464. S. M. WILSON. I heard a Voice from Heaven. 1 I HEARD a voice from heaven 2 The Holy Spirit spake- "Blessed are they"-for, after toil, 465. L. M. MRS. BARBAULD. The Righteous blessed in Death. 1 How blessed the righteous when he dies! When sinks a weary soul to rest, How mildly beam the closing eyes, 2 So fades a summer cloud away, 3 A holy quiet reigns around, A calm which life nor death destroys; 4 Farewell, conflicting hopes and fears, Where lights and shades alternate dwell; How bright the unchanging morn appears! Farewell, inconstant world, farewell! 5 Life's duty done, as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies; While heaven and earth combine to say, "How blessed the righteous when he dies!" 466. C. M. J. NEWTON. The Death of a Believer. 1 In vain our fancy strives to paint The glories that surround the saints, 2 One gentle sigh their fetters breaks! "They're gone!" 3 Faith strives, but all its efforts fail 4 Thus much, and this is all we know, Have done with sin, and care, and woe, 5 On harps of gold they praise his name, 467. C. M. DODDRIDGE. Near Approach of Salvation. 1 AWAKE, ye saints, and raise your eyes, 2 On all the wings of time it flies; 3 Not many years their round shall run, 4 Ye wheels of nature, speed your course; Ye mortal powers, decay; Fast as ye bring the night of death, 1 As when the weary traveller gains The height of some o'erlooking hill, His heart revives, if 'cross the plains He eyes his home, though distant still: 2 While he surveys the much-loved spot, He slights the space that lies between; His past fatigues are now forgot, Because his journey's end is seen: 3 Thus, when the Christian pilgrim views, 4 The thought of home his spirit cheers; No more he grieves for troubles past, Nor any future trial fears, So he may safe arrive at last. 5 'Tis there, he says, I am to dwell Assured our home will make amends 469. L. M. MONTGOMERY. Preparation for Heaven. 1 HEAVEN is a place of rest from sin, 2 Clean hearts, O God, in us create, 3 In Jesus' footsteps may we tread, 470. C. M. Immortal Joys. MRS. STEELE. 1 How long shall earth's alluring toys Detain our hearts and eyes, Regardless of immortal joys, And strangers to the skies? 2 These transient scenes will soon decay; And quickly will their brightest day 3 O could our thoughts and wishes fly 4 There joys, unseen by mortal eyes 5 Lord, send a beam of light divine, 6 Then shall on faith's sublimest wing To those bright scenes, where pleasures spring Immortal in the skies. |