303. We plan foundations for the dead

We plan foundations for the dead,
But lay the earliest stone to Thee,
Who, as the whole Creation's Head,
Alone hast immortality.

For in, and through, and over all,
Extends Thy universal reign;
We know the heaven of heavens too small,
Thy power and glory to contain.

In Sinai's howling wilderness,
Of old Thy presence deign'd to dwell;
The Tabernacle stood to bless,
And guard the tents of Israel.

So on this yet unpeopled plot,
Whither the living shall repair,
And thronging graves surround the spot,
To Thee shall rise an house of prayer.

Watch o'er this sanctuary keep,
And oh! may all who slumber here,
Redeem'd from sin in Jesus sleep,
Till He who is their life appear.

323
As in His rock-hewn sepulchre,
Where man had never lain before,
Thy Son once rested,--we inter
Our kindred, seen on earth no more.

Then, at the last loud trumpet's breath,
When quick and dead before Him stand
Saved from both first and second death,
May these be found on his right-hand.

Text Information
First Line: We plan foundations for the dead
Title: We plan foundations for the dead
Author: James Montgomery
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Publication Date: 1854
Topic: Burial Ground, preparation of
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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