Though natural bands of love are strong

Though natural bands of love are strong. Yet surely must be broke, We can't expect to tarry long, Before death's fatal stroke. All dust must to its dust return When souls are call'd on high; If unprepar'd, then must they burn, To all eternity. Aged parents, now rejoice That death to you draws nigh, And let your lips with shouting voice, Praise Jesus Christ on high. Your bodies which, worn out with age, Your children may survive, When death takes you from off the stage Be grace in you alive. If saints while here, you'll rise above, And join the happy choir, In singing loud redeeming love To Jesus the Messiah. When Christ, the quickning Spirit comes, Bodies of mouldering dust, Will then be raised celestial ones, And dwell among the just.