Classic Poem

ON THE DEATH OF JOSEPH GURNEY . 1831.

T O be preserved from “sudden death” we pray:
 And many have just cause to breathe the prayer,
 Whom Grace hath not instructed to prepare
For that most awful summons.—Happy they
Whom H E , the Light, the Life, the Truth, the Way,
 Hath train'd in living faith His cross to bear;
 Such only shall the crown immortal wear,
And stand before Him clothed in white array!
Believing thee all ready, then, shall we
 So selfishly thy sudden call profane,
 And mourn a captive's quickly sever'd chain?
Oh! let us rather thank thy God for thee!
Trusting this line thy Epitaph may be,
  “To me to live was Christ! to die is gain!”