537. C. M. Anonymous.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." Ps. 23.

1Thou must go forth alone, my soul!

Thou must go forth alone,

To other scenes, to other worlds,

That mortal hath not known.

Thou must go forth alone, my soul,--

To tread the narrow vale;

But He, whose word is sure, hath said

His comforts shall not fail.

2Thou must go forth alone, my soul,

Along the darksome way;

Where the bright sun has never shed

His warm and gladsome ray.

And yet the Sun of Righteousness

Shall rise amidst the gloom,

And scatter from thy trembling gaze

The shadows of the tomb.

3Thou must go forth alone, my soul!

To meet thy God above:

But shrink not--He hath said, my soul,

He is a God of love.

His rod and staff shall comfort thee

Across the dreary road,

Till thou shalt join the blessed ones

In heaven's serene abode.

Prayer for Support in Death.

1When the vale of death appears,

Faint and cold this mortal clay,

O, my Father, soothe my fears,

Light me through the gloomy way;

Break the shadows,

Usher in eternal day;--

2Upward from this dying state

Bid my waiting soul aspire;

Open thou the crystal gate;

To thy praise attune my lyre:

Then, triumphant,

I will join th' immortal choir.