Reginald Heber (1783–1826)

THOU art gone to the Grave! but we will not deplore thee,

Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb;

The Saviour has pass’d through its portal before thee,

And the lamp of His love is thy guide thro’ the gloom!

Thou art gone to the grave! we no longer behold thee,

Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy side;

But the wide arms of Mercy are spread to enfold thee,

And sinners may die, for the Sinless has died!

Thou art gone to the grave! and, its mansion forsaking,

Perchance thy weak spirit in fear linger’d long;

But the mild rays of Paradise beam’d on thy waking,

And the sound which thou heardst was the Seraphim’s song!

Thou art gone to the grave! but we will not deplore thee,

Whose God was thy ransom, thy Guardian, and Guide.

He gave thee, He took thee, and He will restore thee,

And Death has no sting, for the Saviour has died!