Death Is Only a Dream

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Sadly we sing and with tremulous breath

Author: Charles Walker Ray
Tune: [Sadly we sing, and with tremulous breath]
Published in 54 hymnals

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Sadly we sing, and with tremulous breath,
As we stand by the mystical stream,
In the valley and by the dark river of death,
And yet ’tis no more than a dream.

Chorus:
Only a dream, only a dream,
Of glory beyond the dark stream,
How peaceful the slumber,
How happy the waking,
For death is only a dream.

2 Why should we weep when the weary ones rest,
In the bosom of Jesus supreme,
In the mansions of glory prepared for the blest?
For death is no more than a dream. [Chorus]

3 Naught in the river the saints should appall,
Tho’ it frightfully dismal may seem,
In the arms of their Saviour no ill can befall,
They find it no more than a dream. [Chorus]

4 Over the turbid and onrushing tide,
Doth the light of eternity gleam;
And the ransomed the darkness and storm shall outride,
To wake with glad smiles from their dream. [Chorus]

Source: Christian Hymns: for every purpose in worship #20

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Author: Charles Walker Ray

Rv Charles Walker Ray DD USA 1832-1917. Born at Otselic, NY, he became a Baptist minister. He was educated at Hamlton College, Clinton, NY. He earned his doctorate from Monongahela College, Jefferson, PA. That school closed in 1894. He pastored at North Stonington, CT, for a number of years. He also served at Plymouth, NY. He married Julia Tracy Sheffield, and they had a son, Arthur. He wrote a number of books and song books: “Grace Vernon Bussell, the heroine of western Australia” (1878); “Spicy breezes” (1883); “The day school crown” (1892); “The revival helper: a collection of songs for Christian work and worship” (1893); “Bright blossoms of song” (1895); “Zion’s delight” (1901); “The song of songs… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	Sadly we sing and with tremulous breath
Title:	Death Is Only a Dream
Author:	Charles Walker Ray
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Only a dream, only a dream
Copyright:	Public Domain