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

Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb;

The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee,

And the lamp of his love is thy guide through 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 hope, since the Sinless hath died.

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

Perchance thy tried spirit in doubt lingered long;

But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking,

And the song that thou heard’st was the seraphim’s song.

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

Since God was thy refuge, thy guardian, thy guide;

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

And death has no sting, since the Saviour hath died.