Classic Poem

1.

Shall man, O God of light, and life,
Forever moulder in the grave?
Can'st thou forget thy glorious work,
Thy promise, and thy power, to save?

2.

In death's obscure, oblivious realms
No truths are taught, nor wonders shown;
No mercy beams to warn the heart;
Thy name unsung, thy grace unknown.

3.

No lips proclaim redeeming love,
With praise and transport in the sound;
The gospel's glory never shines,
And hope and peace are never found.

4.

But in those silent realms of night
Shall peace and hope no more arise?
No future morning light the tomb,
Nor day-star gild the darksome skies?

5.

Shall spring the faded world revive?
Shall waning moons their light return?
Again shall setting suns ascend,
And the lost day anew be born?

6.

Shall life revisit dying worms,
And spread the joyful insect's wing?
And Oh shall man awake no more,
To see thy face, thy name to sing?

7.

Cease, cease, ye vain, desponding fears:
When Christ, our Lord, from darkness sprang,
Death, the last for, was captive led,
And heaven with praise and wonder rang.

8.

Him, the first fruits, his chosen sons
Shall follow from the vanquish'd grave;
He mounts his throne, the King of Kings,
His church to quicken, and to save.

9.

Faith sees the bright, eternal doors
Unfold, to make his children way;
They shall be cloth'd with endless life,
And shine in everlasting day.

10.

The trump shall sound; the dust awake;
From the cold tomb the slumberers spring;
Through heaven with joy their myriads rise,
And hail their Saviour, and their King.