Life in Deaths, SONG III

Whil'st we are here on Earth We're dying every day: Each day brings some new woe or grief Whil'st we are cloth'd with Clay. We dwell in midst of Deaths And Death amidst us dwells, As too too well appeareth by These daily doleful Knells.

Now one dear Friend departs, E're long another goes: Whose turn comes next, or mine or thine, Or whose, God onely knows. Thus we are oft constrain'd The pains of Death to 'bide: For Death doth often wound our heart Through one or other's side.

Pains, Losses, Sicknesses, Temptations, Sorrows, Sin; All these are daily Deaths, from which We can no freedom win, Untill we die our last: One death will end them all, And set our Souls at liberty. Which here are held in thrall.

The Pains of Life together Amount unto no small pain: Who would not one Pain more endure And so get free from all pain? But we must stay God's time, And wait till he shall call: And then one Death will set us free From Pains and Sorrows all.

Then once for all we die, That die we may no more: But live in Bliss eternally The face of God before. Death is of Life the Gate: It is the Door whereby We enter shall into a state Of Immortality.

This then our Comfort is, This is our Life in Death; To know our Soul shall be in Bliss When Death hath stopt our Breath. And that this Body vile, That now is laid in dust, And turn'd to Earth, within a while Be rais'd in Glory must.

So soon as Death hath clos'd Our mortal Bodie's eyes: Our Soul shall mount with greatest speed Above the Starry Skies Born upon Angel's wings Unto that Heavenly Rest; Where of Eternal Happiness She shall be full possest.

O Death where is thy Sting? Thy Victory O Grave? How art thou conquered, and made Our Servant, yea our Slave! Thanks be to God, who gives us Through Christ the Victory: That we may live to praise his Name For this Eternally.