IT IS NOT DEATH TO DIE.
It is not death to die—
To leave this weary road,
And, 'mid the brotherhood on high,
To be at home with God.
It is not death to close
The eye long dimmed by tears,
And wake, in glorious repose
To spend eternal years.
It is not death to bear
The wrench that sets us free
From dungeon chain,—to breathe the air
Of boundless liberty.
It is not death to fling
Aside this sinful dust,
And rise, on strong exulting wing,
To live among the just.
Jesus, thou Prince of life!
Thy chosen cannot die;
Like thee, they conquer in the strife,
To reign with thee on high.
—Bethune.