IF THERE IS NO HEREAFTER.
If soul has no hereafter,
What is the unknown bond
That bindeth soul to matter,
And what is the beyond?
What is the power that buildeth?
What is the mind that wills?
What is the power within us
That all our being thrills?
If there is no hereafter
What use to us was birth?
We’re naught but vegetation
Encumbering the earth.
If knowledge had been given
Of th’ power that brought us here—
The law of living, dying.—
Of death we’d have no fear.
We’d start on our new journey,
And would not death regret.
These questions are deep problems
Which sometime must be met.
This life would be a failure
If naught there was beyond;
No tie twixt soul and matter,
No everlasting bond.
O Thou Almighty Father!
Canst be that soul must die?
O listen to my pleading,
O Father hear my cry!
O tell me what is dying?
I would by Thee be taught.—
Give me the glimpse of heaven
Which I so long have sought.—