
1 The spirits of the just,
Confined in bodies, groan,
Till death consigns the corpse to dust,
And then the conflict’s done.
2 Jesus, who came to save,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Perfumed the chambers of the grave,
And made e’en death our gain.
3 Why fear we, then, to trust
The place where Jesus lay?
In quiet rests our brother’s dust,
And thus it seems to say:
4 “Forbear, my friends, to weep,
Since death has lost its sting;
Those Christians that in Jesus sleep,
Our God will with him bring.”
5 This message, then, receive,
And grief indulge no more;
Return to pray awhile; believe,
And wait the welcome hour.
Source: A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) #842