Listed alphabetically by initial letter. This is intended to be a resource
for those recording inscriptions. If you cannot read the whole of a verse on a
gravestone then search here for the part you can read and the remainder may be
found.
Note that in order to be consistent the deceased is usually shown as female. So
search for 'she' rather than 'he' or 'they', and 'her' rather than 'his' or
'their'. An exception to this rule has been made in some cases eg soldiers.
One example of each verse is listed. Some were encountered only once and
others found in many churchyards.
Where known the author of the verse is shown although the process of
tracing them all is far from complete as yet.
To quickly reach verses beginning with the letter B for example, use "find
on this page" in your browser or Ctrl + F to search for BBB
The number of lines is shown as a single digit at the end of each verse. So for
example to view, one at a time all verses with four lines, search for 4. (This
will work less effectively now that some dates have been added.)
You can also find variations on a theme by searching for e.g.' Joy' or 'Prepare'
etc.
A beautiful star shines o’er the grave
Of the one I loved but could not save 2
Abide with me fast falls the eventide
The darkness deepens Lord with me abide
When other helpers fail and comforts flee
Help of the helpless O abide with me 4
["Abide with me" by Henry Flyte 1847]
Abide with us in faithful love our God and Saviour be
Thy help in need O let us prove and keep us true to Thee 2
["Ach Bleib Mit" by Deiner Gnade]
A day of memory sad to recall
Without farewell she left us all 2
A dearest mother she has been
And many troubles she has seen
And now her sorrows are all past
now she rests with Christ at last 4
A devoted husband and loving father
A man in the world but not of the world
A man of the world but not a worldly man
A man who feared the Lord from his youth up 4
Adieu dear husband my life is past
My life with you short time did last
But now I am gone no sorrow take
Yet love my children for my sake 4
Adieu my lov'd partner, my children and my friends
Whose souls were entwined with my own
Adieu for the present mortality ends
In the hope of a glorious crown 4
Adieu vain world I’ve had enough of thee
And careless am of what you say of me
What faults you see in me take care to shun
And look at home enough is to be done
Your smiles I court not’ nor your frowns I fear
My time is gone my head lies quiet here 6
Adieu vain World I've had enough of thee
And now am careless what thou say'st of me
Thy smiles I court not nor thy frowns I fear
My cares are past and I rest quiet here 4
A face ["light" is more usual] is from our household gone
A voice we loved is still
A place is vacant at our hearth
Which none can ever fill 4
A few more years shall roll a few more seasons come
And we shall be with those that rest asleep within the tomb 2
[Hymn by Horatius Bonar 1842]
A few short years of evil past
We reach the happy shore
Where death divided friends at last
Shall meet to part no more 4
Afflictions sore for long she bore
Physicians were in vain
But God has saved her from this world
And relieved her of her pain 4
Affliction sore long time I bore
In sorrow grief and pain
Till God did please to give me ease
And take away my pain 4
Afflictions sore long time I bore
Physicians were in vain
God thought it best that I should rest
And freed me from my pain 4
Afflictions sore long time I bore
Physicians were in vain
Till death did please me to release
And free me of my pain 4
Affliction sore long time I bore
Physicians were in vain
Till God did please to give me ease
And free me from my pain 4
Afflictions sore long time I bore physicians were in vain
To give me ease God did please to free me from my pain 2
Afflictions sore long time I bore which wore my strength away
And made me long for heavenly rest that never will decay 2
After long suffering God gave the call
And sad was the parting for one and all
Though longing to stay with those she loved best
She longed more for Heaven she needed the rest 4
After suffering rest only a step removed we soon again shall meet
Our own our dearly loved around the Saviour's feet 2
["Only a Step"] Sarah G Stack Gospel Magazine July 1893
A good and loving wife a tender mother dear
Afflictions sore oppressed her and suffering pain and care
But she had joined the saints above
Where all is peace and joy and love 4
A guilty weak and helpless worm on thy kind arms I fall
["Faith in Christ" Charles Wesley]
Ah little did we think or know when she went out from home
That she so soon would meet her death nor to her friends return 2
A humble holy contrite heart
Believing true and clean
Which neither life nor death can part
from Him that dwells within 4
[Hymn verse]
A light is from our household gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant at our hearth
Which never can be filled 4
["Let Love Shine a Light"]
A lingering illness did her seize
And no physician could her ease
Dear friends forbear with tears and grief
For death to me was a relief
The blood that flowed from Jesus side
Revived her soul before she died 6
A lingering sickness did my life attend
But time and patience brought it to an end
Grieve not for me dear wife nor friends no more
I am not lost but gone a while before 4
A lingering sickness did my life attend
Till God His messenger of death did send
Though short my time the longer is my rest
God called me home because He saw it best 4
All are appointed once to die
And death to her came suddenly
Death does not always warning give
Therefore be careful how you live
Get ready for a better state
Before it is too late 6
All gracious God Thy will be done
T'was Thou that didst the blessing lend
And though withdrawn I am not alone
Thou art the widow's faithful friend 4
All our woes and sadness
In this world below
Balance not the gladness
We in Heaven shall know 4
[Heinrich Siegmund Oswald 1826 translated from German 1841 by Frances E Cox]
All our work is sadness in this world below
Balance not the gladness we in heaven shall know 2
All praise be thine O risen Lord
From death to endless life restored 2
All you good people that pass by
Remember death for you shall die
For as you are so once was I
That in the dark so low does lye 4
All you that this my grave pass by
Remember this for you must die
Therefore prepare without delay
Time for neither rich nor poor will stay 4
All you who do behold this stone
Think how quickly life is gone
Death will not always warning give
Therefore be careful how you live 4
A long affliction did my life attend
But time with patience brought it to an end
And now my body rest in mother clay
Until I rise again on Resurrection day 4
A loving husband a sister dear and parents dear had I
Who loved me well and grieved to see me die 2
A loving sister a friend most dear
A faithful daughter lies buried here
Free from malice free from pride
Respected loved and lamented, died 4
A loving wife a constant friend
Dear to her children to the end
The World she left in hopes to rest
In endless mansions with the blest 4
A loving wife a mother dear
A faithful friend lies buried here
We hope her soul is now at rest
With Jesus Christ for ever blest 4
A loving wife a mother dear
A faithful friend when she was here
And when our pilgrim's path we've trod
We hope to meet her with our God 4
A loving wife and mother she has been
And many troubles she has seen
But always did her best 3
A loving wife lies buried here, a mother kind and tender
But all our help and anxious care from death could not defend her
One thought alone [ ?] our grief, the hope that Christ receive her
This hope alone can give relief to every true believer 4
[Incompletely recorded]
A loving wife true and kind
She proved to be in heart and mind
A tender parent too as well
When she on Earth did with us dwell 4
Although her life on Earth is done
Yet evermore remains her love and ours as one 2
And ever near us though unseen the dear immortal spirits tread
For all the boundless universe is life, there are no dead 2
["There is no death" John McCreery]
And is she gone whom we so dearly loved
Whose tender kindness we so often proved
Oh yes she’s gone her happy spirit’s fled
And now she’s numbered with the silent dead 4
And now amidst the angels, she is for ever fair
But Oh ,she was so dear to us we miss her everywhere 2
And when oppressed with grief we lie
When brighter scenes are fled and gone
Still may our souls submissive cry
Father of Heaven "Thy will be done" 4
And when the Lord shall summon us whom thou hast left behind
May we untainted by the world like thee acceptance find
May we like thee depart in peace to be a glorious guest
Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest 4
["Funeral Anthem" from "The Martyr of Antioch" by Henry Hart Milman, music by
Arthur Sullivan 1880]
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Who we have loved long since and lost a while 2
[From "The Pillar of the Cloud" by John Henry Newman 1801 - 1890]
Angels voices gently called her from this world of grief and care
Through the shadow of the valley she has passed to realms more fair 2
An honest woman lies here buried for truth
And justice she preferred she shew’d
Through life a generous mind
And died in peace with all mankind 4
An honest woman lies here interred
For truth and justice she preferred
She showed thro' life a generous mind
And died in peace with all mankind 4
A long affliction did my life attend
But time and patience brought it to an end
And now my body rests in mother clay
In hope to see the Resurrection Day 4
A pale consumption gave the fatal blow
The stroke was certain the effect was slow
With wasting pain death found her long oppressed
Pity’d her sighs & kindly brought her rest
Pale death at last did stand our friend
And brought our sorrows to an end 6
A precious one from us has gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in our hearts
Which never can be filled 4
Around the throne of God in Heaven
Thousands of children stand
Children whose sins are all forgiven
A holy happy band 4
[Anne H Shepherd 1842]
Art thou weary art thou languished [languid?]
Art thou sore distressed
Come to me saith one
And coming be at rest 4
[Stephen of Mar Saba]
A silent thought a secret tear
keeps thy memory ever dear 2
Asleep in God's beautiful garden sheltered from sorrow and pain
Some day when life's journey is ended I shall meet you dear husband again 2
Asleep in Jesus! Blessed sleep
From which none ever wake to weep
O calm and undisturbed repose
Unbroken by the last of foes 4
[First verse of hymn Asleep in Jesus]
Asleep in Jesus far from thee
Thy kindred and their graves may be
But thine is still a blessed sleep
From which none ever wake to weep 4
Asleep in Jesus! Peaceful rest
Whose waken is supremely blest
No fear no foe shall dim that hour
That manifests the Saviour’s power 4
[Third verse of hymn Asleep in Jesus]
A span is all that we can[boast] an inch or two of time
Man is vanity and dust, in all his flower and prime 2
[Isaac Watts 1674-1748]
A tender mother lies buried here
The one on Earth we loved so dear
But now she is free from sorrow and pain
And we hope in Heaven to meet again 4
A tender mother have I been
And many troubles have I seen
But all my sorrows now are past
And I do sleep in Christ 4
A tender mother now I have been
Many troubles have I seen
Whilst I lived I did my best
Now my bones lay here to rest 4
A tender mother she has been
Many troubles she has seen
But now we trust she finds her rest
In blessed peace on Jesus breast 4
A tender mother she has been
Tho' many troubles she has seen
When on Earth she did the best
Now we hope she is at rest 4
At peace! At rest! no aching pain, no carking care
No earthly grief can reach them there
No sin Molest
While on his breast
so gently sleep 5
A true and faithful upright man
Deny these words friend if you can 2
Away from sorrow doubt and pain
Away from worldly loss and gain 2
Awful disappointment soon
Overclouds the prospect gay
Some their sun goes down at noon
Torn by death's strong hand away 4
[John Newton]
Be my last thought how sweet to rest
For ever on my Saviour’s breast 2
["Sun of my soul" by John Keble 1820]
Beneath a sleeping infant lies
To earth her body's lent
More glorious she'll hereafter rise
Tho' not more innocent
Where the Archangels trump shall blow
And souls to bodies join
Millions will wish their lives below
Had been as short as thine 8
[Charles Wesley 1789]
Beneath she lies whose deeds deserved love
Her body here her soul is far above
For truth and justice charity and peace
She's gone to taste those joys that never cease 4
Beneath this spot our parents sleep
And we shall follow soon
And leave our children to weep
Because their friends are gone 4
Beneath this stone death's prisoner lies
The stone shall move the prisoner free
When Jesus with almighty word
Calls his dead saints to meet their Lord 4
Beneath Thy cross she loved to stand
Like Mary in Thy dying hour
That blessings from Thy pierced hand
Might clothe her with undying power 4
["O Lamb of God whose love divine" v4]
Beneath this stone lies buried here
A loving wife and tender mother dear
Her loss is great to those she left behind
But (?) hope in Heaven great comfort to find 4
Beside still waters and in pastures green
Led by her God she passed to age serene calm
Her life’s current gentle its release
Guileless her spirit and her end was peace 4
Beyond the river's brink I lay the cross that here was given
And bear the crown of life away to love her more in Heaven 2
Bitter the cup, the stroke severe
To part with her we loved so dear
Though great our loss we'll murmur not
But breathe the prayer divinely taught 4
Thy will be done
Brief life is here our portion brief sorrow short lived care
The life that knows no ending the tearless life is there 2
{Hymn 943]
Bright be the place of thy soul
No lovelier spirit than thine
Ever burst from its mortal control
In the orb of the blessed to shine
On Earth thou was all we could wish
As thy soul shall immortally be
And our sorrow may [cease to repine]
When we know that thy God is with thee 8
["Bright be the place of thy soul" from "Hebrew Melodies" by Lord Byron]
Brighter, fairer far than living
With no trace of woe or pain
Robed in ever lasting beauty
We shall see thee once again 4
["The buried flower" by William Edmondstoune Aytoun]
But hush my soul, nor done repine
The time my God appoints is best
While here to do his will was mine
And his to fix my time of rest4
But the Lord doth nought amiss
And since he hath ordered this
We have nought to do but still
Rest in silence on his will 4
But true love is a durable flame in mind ever burning
Never sick, never old, never dead from itself never turning 2
By slow degrees her power decayed which kept her long in pain
But now released we trust she lives where joys immortal reign 2
["Brief life is here our portion" based on Barnard of Cluny 1145]
Children will you meet us on that delightful shore
We are waiting there to greet you where sad partings are no more 2
["The Weary Soul" by John Adam Grande 1803]
Christ was her hope Christ was her guide
In Him she lived in Him she died 2
Christ will gather in his own
To the place where she is gone
Where her heart and treasure lie
Where our life is His on high
Had He asked us well we know
We should cry to spare this blow
Yes, with streaming tears should pray
Lord we love her let her stay 8
["Christ will gather in his own" from the Moravian Hymn Book]
Clothed in robes of spotless white
Now she dwells with Thee in light 2
["Gentle Shepherd Thou hast Stilled" by John W Meinhold 1835]
Come children and look at the grave
Where low your companion is laid
And learn that time like rolling wave
May number you too for the dead 4
Cropped in the bud secure from future ill
Though great our loss 'tis the Almighty's will 2
Dangers stand thick thro’ all the ground
To push us to the tomb
And fierce diseases wait around
To hurry mortals home 4
["Worthington" by Charles Wesley]
Day by day the voice saith come
Enter thine eternal home
Asking now if we can spare
This dear soul it summons there 4
Day by [or after] day we all still miss him
Words would fail our grief to tell
But in heaven we hope to meet him
Evermore with him to dwell 4
Day by day we all do miss her
Words would fail our loss to tell
But in Heaven we hope to meet her
Evermore with her to dwell 4
Day by day we saw her fade and gently sink away
Yet often in our hearts we prayed that she might longer stay
She’s on her Saviour’s bosom laid and feels no sorrow there
Is by a heavenly parent fed and needs no more our care 4
Day by day we saw her fade and gently sink away
Yet often in our hearts we prayed that she might longer stay
Yes thus she died with holy joy and entered into rest
To bloom with immortality and be forever blest 4
Days, months and years may pass away
But her sweet memory lives for aye 2
Dear as thou were [or wert] and justly dear
We will not weep for thee one thought shall check the rising tear
It is that thou art free and thus shall faiths consoling power
The tears of love restrain
Ah who that saw thy parting hour
Could wish thee here again 6
Triumphant in thy closing eye
The hour of glory shone 8
Dearest mother thou hast left us
And thy loss we deeply feel
But tis God that doth direct us
He can still our sorrows heal 4
Dear friends do not grieve for me but give yourselves to God
Dear children live and pray for me that we may meet above 2
Dear friends this stone as you may see
Was placed here to remember me 2
Dear friends why should you mourn for me
I am but where you soon will be 2
Dear husband do not weep for me
So early torn from Earth and thee
But love my child for my own sake
And peace which God through Jesus make 4
Dear husband I bid you now farewell
I with my Saviour hope to dwell
My days are spent my glass is full
Children and friends prepare to come 4
Dear husband with you my time is past
My love to you short time did last
But now for me no sorrow make
But love my children for my sake 4
Dear is the grave where our loved one are laid
Sweet is the memory that never shall fade
Leaves may wither and fall from the tree
If others forget you never shall we 4
Dear is the spot where Christians sleep
And sweet the strains their spirits pour
O why should we in anguish weep?
They are not lost but gone before 4
["Dear is the spot where Christians sleep"]
Dear mother rest, thy work is o’er
Thy loving hands shall toil no more
No more thy gentle eyes shall weep
Rest dear mother gently sleep 4
Dear mother thou art not forgotten, never shall thy memory fade
Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger round the place where thou art laid 2
Dear parent do not weep for me
Weep for some other misery
My life was short my sorrow less
Blame not my haste to happiness 4
Dear parents do not weep for me
For I was only lent to thee
I was cut down in youthful days
But now in Heaven to sing God's praise 4
Dear wife forbear to mourn and weep
Whilst I in dust do sweetly sleep
And when the blessed day appear
May we both meet and ? most dear 4
Dear wife don't weep no more for me
For I was only lent to thee
Because I was cut down in my prime
And you are spared a longer time
I pray look up to God above
That we may meet again in love 6
Death caught me on the way
And quickly caused me for to stay
I had no time for to say no
But with him I was forced to go
Death do not always warning give
Therefore be careful while you live 6
[an example of Norfolk grammar]
Death hides but it does not divide
They are but on Christ’s other side
Thou art with Christ and Christ with me
In Him I still am close to thee 4
Death in a moment stopped her breath
Never more to return on Earth
We hope her soul to Heaven is gone
With angels to surround the throne 4
Death is no more a frightful foe
Since I with Christ shall reign
With joy I leave this world of woe
For me to die is gain 4
Death is most certain you may see
For suddenly it came to me
In perfect health to me was sent
an accident most violent 4
Death just like an ever flowing stream
Sweeps away, our life's a dream
An empty tale a morning flower
Cut down and wilted in an hour 4
Death like a friend did come to thee as loath to make thee weep
Thou knew not thine enemy and sunk as if to sleep 2
Death little [or no] warning to me gave
And quickly sent me to the grave
Make haste to Christ make no delay
For no one knows his dying day 4
Death shadowing us and ours
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers 2
[Bickersteth]
Death suddenly called me away
To lodge in this cold bed of clay
Now dear friends my glass is run
It is the Lord His will be done 4
Do not ask us if we miss her there is such a vacant place
Can we e’er forget her footsteps and that sweet [or dear] familiar face 2
Don't weep for me my parents dear because I died so young
The fewer years the fewer sins, God's will it must be done 2
Draw near my friends and cast an eye
Then go your way prepare to die
Repent with speed make no delay
I in my prime was called away 4
Each Monday comes with deep regret
For the one we love and shall never forget
Earth to earth and dust to dust
Calmly now the words we say
Leaving him in perfect [or to sleep in] trust
Till the resurrection day 4
["Now the Labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1871]
Enclosed in dirt here lies the last remains
Of her who firmly bore death's lingering pains
Who proved through all the series of her life
A friend a mother and a virtuous wife 4
E'er sin could blight or sorrow fade
Death came with friendly care
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed
And bade it blossom there 4
Ere since by faith I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply
Redeeming love has been my theme
And shall be till I die 4
["There is a fountain filled with blood" v 4 Charles Wesley]
Ever the same through life’s changes unchanging
Comforting those by troubles distressed
Living so peacefully never complaining
May she now rest in the realms of the blest 4
Exult O dust and ashes the Lord shall be thy part
His, only his forever ,thou shalt be and thou art 2
["Jerusalem the Golden" based on Bernard of Cluny]
Faint not nor fear his arms are near
He chanceth not and thou art dear
Only believe and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee 4
["Fight the good fight" by John S B Mansell 1863]
Fare thee well thou lovely stranger
Guardian angels take your charge
Freed at once from pain and danger
Happy spirit set at large 4
Farewell dear child and mother for we shall meet no more
'Til we be raised to Christ on Jordan’s happy shore 2
Farewell dear friends a fond farewell
For we shall meet no more
Till we be raised with Christ to dwell
On Canaan's happy shore 4
Farewell dear friends a long farewell
For we shall meet no more
Till we be raised [or arrive] with Christ to dwell
On Zion’s happy shore
Then let us wipe away our tears
From gloomy grief refrain
Prepare to go when death appears
With Him in Heaven to reign 8
[Anon published 1911 arranged by Barney E Warren]
Farewell dear friends farewell we soon shall rise to Thee
And when we meet no tongue can tell how great our joy will be 2
Farewell dear friends for we must part from you I'm called away
But let us still keep one in heart and strive for endless day
There we shall never parted be from friends we loved so well
We then shall be sorrow free, and never more say farewell 4
Farewell dear friends my life is past
You faithfully loved me to the last
Weep not for me but pity take
And love each other for my sake
Weep not dear friends but dry your tears
I must lie here till Christ appears
Only when the trumpet sound
I hope with Christ I may be found 8
Farewell dear friends I bid adieu
What in my power was, I have done for you
The time is past for me to toil in pain
But hope in Heaven to meet with you again 4
Farewell dear husband, children, friends
Adieu to all on Earth I love
Weep not for me but strive to win
A home with Christ in Heaven above 4
Farewell dear husband I’m gone before
My love to you can be no more
Weep not for me nor sorrow take
But love my children for my sake 4
Farewell dear husband, life on Earth is past
You loved me truly dearly to the last
Grieve not for me but hasten to prepare
For Heaven above that you may join me there 4
Farewell dear husband my life is past
A short time with you my life did last
But now I am gone no sorrow make
But love my dear children for mu sake 4
Farewell dear husband my life is past
My life with you a short time did last
But now I'm gone no sorrow make
But love my child for my dear sake 4
Farewell dear husband to you I bid adieu
For what was in my power laid I always did for you
My days were short ? with grief and pain
I hope in Christ to meet with you again
But not for me no ............
[Incompletely recorded]
Farewell dear mother thou art gone
The battle fought the victory won
The prize is gained and thou art blest
Thy home is in the land of rest 4
Farewell dear mother thy life is past
We loved you dearly to the last
The partings hard we’ll not complain
In Heaven we hope to meet again 4
Farewell dear son, sisters and brothers dear
For we on Earth shall meet no more
But may we all meet round Christ's throne
When time with you shall be no more 4
Farewell faithful one you leave us likewise
And hope we will meet you with Christ in the skies
Though absent in body you are with us in prayer
And we’ll meet you in Heaven there is no parting there 4
Farewell husband and children dear
My sufferings now are o'er
But Oh prepare to meet me there
Where we shall part no more
In midst of life I was cut down
And sudden was my fall
And now I moulder in the dust
Till Christ for me doth call 8
Farewell in hope and love, in faith and peace and prayer
Till He whose home is ours above unite us there 2
Farewell kind husband and children dear
The Lord your tender hearts will cheer
Once more farewell ‘tis but at home
Where sin and sorrow never come
Weep not for me at my depart
But on your children fix your heart
And be a tender father dear
I wish I could your troubles share 8
Farewell my children dear that I have left behind
I am gone where we must return the unknown world to find 2
Farewell my children
Lay aside my weary care
Now as I am so must you be
So all prepare to follow me 4
Farewell my friends adieu adieu
We can no longer stay with you
My glittering crown appears in view 3
["All is well"]
Farewell my wife and children dear
Where you must yet remain
The Lord of Hosts be your defence
Till we do meet again 4
Farewell thou dear departed daughter lamenting is in vain
We hope in Heaven when Jesus calls to meet with thee again 2
Farewell thou little blooming bud just bursting into flower
We give thee up but O the pang of this last parting hour
We give thee up for He who said let children come to me
Our daughter has numbered with the dead that she in Heaven might be 4
Farewell vain World I've seen enough of thee
And now I care not what thou sayest of me
Thy smiles I court not nor thy anger fear
Freed from them all my head lies quiet here
What faults you hear of me pray mind to shun
And look at home enough there's to be done 6
Farewell vain World my dearest friends adieu
I leave my children to the care of you
It was the will of God to call me home
Therefore prepare for soon you all may come 4
Far from a world of toils and strife
She is present with the Lord
The labours of a well spent life
End in a great reward 4
Father in thy gracious keeping
Here we leave our darling sleeping 2
["Now the Labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1875]
Father in thy gracious keeping
Leave we now our loved one sleeping 2
["Now the Labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1875]
[Ancient & Modern hymn No 401]
Father in thy gracious keeping
Leave we now thy servant sleeping 2
["Now the Labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1875]
Father of Heaven our sister's God
Before the blessed seat
Among the glorious heirs of light
May we that sister meet 4
Fold them O Father into Thine arms
And let them always be
His messengers of love
Between our human hearts and Thee 4
Fondly we loved her she is dear to us still
But in grief we must bend to God's holy will
Our sorrow was great our loss hard too bear
But angels will guard her with kind tender care 4
For a while the tired body lies with feet towards the morn
Till the last and brightest Easter day be born 2
Forebear dear friends to mourn and weep
Whilst sweetly in the dust I sleep
This toilsome world I’ve left behind
A glorious crown I hope to find 4
Forgive blest girl the tributary tear
That mourns the exit from a world like this
Forgive that sigh that would have kept thee here
And stayed thy spirit from the realms of bliss 4
Forgive blest shade the tributary ear
That morns thy exit from a world like this
Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here
And staid thy progress from realms of bliss 4
[Thought to have been composed by the rector L Richmond of Brading, Hants and
adopted by John Callcott]
Forgive me Lord for thy dear son
The ills that I this day have done
That the world myself and me
'Ere I sleep at peace may be 4
Forgive O Lord the tribute of a tear
forgive the wish that would have kept her here 2
For in thee O Lord do I hope then to my raptured ear
Let one sweet song be given
Let Jesus cheer me last on Earth
And greet me first in Heaven 4
["O sing to me of Heaven"]
For many are the mansions there
But not in one hath grief a share
And nought to mar the perfect love
Throughout our Father’s house above 4
[First two lines only from "The deserted house" Felicia Hemens 1793-1835]
For our loss we must not weep
Nor our loved ones long to keep
From the home of rest and peace
Where all sin and sorrow cease 4
For us it was ordained by blood and by anguish
The ransom to pay that their joy might remain 2
Free from this world of grief and sin
With God eternal shut in 2
From every human ill I now am set free
And called my blessed Saviour's face to see 2
From Heaven the sure commission comes to count us with the dead
And soon amongst our father's tombs we lay our lifeless head 2
From our happy home and circle God hath taken one we love
Borne away from sin and sorrow to a nobler rest above 2
From suffering to our head
Ascended to his throne
And in his footsteps we will tread
And say Thy will be done 4
Gem of our hearth our household pride
Earth’s undefiled could love hath saved thou had'st not died
Our dear sweet child humbly we bow to God’s decree
Yet we had hoped that time should sob?? thee morn for us not for thee 4
Gently sleeping resting at last
Life's weary trials and suffering past 2
Give joy or grief give ease or pain
Take life of friends away
But let me find them all again
In that eternal day 4
[by William Walker 1809-1875]
Glory to God she is not lost
But only gone before
Gone up to join the heavenly host
Her Saviour to adore 4
God called her home it was His will
But in our hearts she dwelleth still
Her memory as dear today
As in the hour she passed away 4
God called her home it was his will
But in our hearts she dwells
Her memory is as clear to us
As in the hour she passed 4
God called her home it was his will
But in our hearts she liveth still
Her memory is as deep today
As in the hour she passed away 4
God calls our loved one from us
But we lose not what He has given
She lives in word and deed and thought
As truly as in Heaven 4
God calls our loved one
But we lose not wholly what He has given
She lives on Earth in thought and deed
As truly as in Heaven 4
God had taken home our loved one
Placed our son amongst his flowers
Taken home the one He gave us
To a better world than ours 4
God in his wisdom has recalled the boon his love had given
And though the body slumber here the soul is safe in Heaven 2
God knows how much we loved her
He counts the tears we shed
And whispers hush she only sleeps
Your loved one is not dead 4
God loved the World and gave his Son to drink the cup of wrath
And Jesus say He cast out none that come to Him by faith 2
God my Redeemer lives and often from the skies
Looks down and watches all my dust till He shall bid it rise 2
God saw her footsteps falter her steps grow weary and weak
He bid her rest from her labours as the pathway had grown too steep 2
God saw the road was getting rough the hill too hard to climb
He gently closed the weary eyes and whispered peace be thine 2
God sees when the footsteps falter
When the way has grown too steep
Closes gently weary eyelids
Giveth His beloved sleep 4
God took her home when He thought best
To dwell with Christ and be at rest 2
God took your hand we had no part
He eased your pain but broke our hearts
Although we smile and seem carefree
Nobody misses you more than we 4
Go home dear children and shed no tear
I must lie here till Christ appears
Long was my life long is my rest
He called me when He thought it best 4
Go home dear friends and shed no tears
For we lie here till Christ appears
And at his coming we hope to have
A glorious rising from the grave 4
Go home dear friends shed not a tear
I must lie here till Christ appears
Weep for your sins weep not for me
For as I am so shall be you 4
Gone art thou but not forgotten never shall thy memory fade
Loving thoughts shall always linger round the spot where thou art laid 2
Gone but not forgotten Oh may grave become to her the bed of peaceful rest
Whence she shall gladly rise at length to mingle with the blest 2
Gone from us but not forgotten, never shall her memory fade
Sweetest thoughts shall ever linger round this spot where she is laid 2
Gone from us but not forgotten, never shall the memory fade
Loving thought shall ever lasting bound the spot where she is laid 2
Good was her word, her friendship sound
She was loved and respected by all around
To her beautiful life came a sudden end
She died as she lived everyone's friend
Few hearts like hers with virtue warmed
Few heads with knowledge so informed
If there's another World she lives in bliss
If there is none she made the best of this 8
Go to thy rest in peace and calm be thy repose
Thy toils are o’er thy troubles cease
From earthly cares in sweet release
Her eyelids gently close 4
Grieve not dear husband be content
For I to you was only lent
In love we lived in peace we die
Thou ask’d our life but 'twas denied 4
Grieve not dear husband but be content
For I to thee was only lent
Mourn not for me but pity take
And love the Saviour for my sake 4
Grieve not dear parents but be content
For I to you was only lent
For love I lived in peace I died
You asked my life but t'was denied 4
Grieve not for me my children [or parents] dear
I am not dead but sleepeth here
My end you know my grave you see
Prepare yourself to follow me 4
Grieve not for me my husband most dear
I am not dead but sleeping here
My debt is paid my grave you see
Wait but a while and follow me 4
Grieve not for me nor sorrow make
But love each other for my sake 2
Had He asked us well we know
We should cry O spare this blow
Yes with streaming tear should pray
Lord we love her let her stay 4
["Christ will gather in his own" by Nikolaus L von Zinzendorf 1754]
Hail glorious gospel heavenly light
Whereby we live in comfort and in comfort die
And view beyond the tomb a glorious scene
A life of endless happiness to come 4
Happy soul thy days are ended
All thy mourning days below
Go by angel guards attended
To the sight of Jesus. Go
Waiting to receive thy spirit
Lo the Saviour stands above
Shows the purchase of his merit
Reaches out the crown of love 8
[George Ratcliffe Woodward 1910]
Happy the babe who privileged by fate
To shorter labour and a lighter weight
Received but yesterday the gift of breath
Ordered tomorrow to return to death 4
Happy soul thy days are ended
All thy mourning days below
Go by angel guards attended
To the sight of Jesus go
Hark a voice it cries from Heaven
Happy in the Lord who die
Happy they to whom is given
From a world of grief to fly
They indeed are truly blest
From their labours when they rest 6
Heaven’s morning breaks and Earth’s vain shadows flee
In life in death O Lord abide with me 2
["Abide with me"]
He gave He takes them when He thinks it best
For them to come to him and take their rest 2
Her course was long in peace she shall it end
Looking beyond the vale with lively faith
She saw the glory of the promised land
And feared no evil in the shade of death 4
Her days though few whilst here below
The longer is her rest
God called her hence in early life
Because he thought it best 4
Here are afflictions and trials severe
Here we must part with friends we hold dear
Sweet is the promise we read in thy word
Blessed are they who have died in the Lord 4
[based on "Here is no rest" by C Ainsworth]
Here a while they must be parted and the flesh its Sabbath keep
Waiting in the holy stillness wrapt in sleep 2
[Hymn "Resurrection Morn" by Sabine Baring-Gould 1864]
Here friends once dear in death’s cold shade repose
Till Christ shall come his glories to disclose
Then shall the saints in glories triumph rise
And with their head ascend the lofty skies 4
Here is not death it's life begun
The waters are passed and the home is won
The ransomed spirit has reached the shore
Where they neither weep nor suffer nor sin no more 4
Here lies a man by all the good esteem'd
Because they prov'd him really what he seem'd
If thou wou'dst be as highly priz'd as he
[Incompletely recorded] 4
Here lies an honest []free friend
Peaceful in life and happy in her end
Harmless in words in her dealings just
Constant to her friends and faithful to her trust 4
Here lies buried the partner of my life
A tender mother and virtuous wife
Great though my loss will be I hope to meet
Her happy spirit at the Saviour’s feet 4
Here lies interred beneath this silent clod
A virtuous youth who trusted in his God
Adieu dear son we cannot wish thy stay
Spend with thy God an everlasting day 4
Here lies interred the partner of my life
A steady Christian and a loving wife
Great though my loss in faith I hope to meet
Her happy spirit at the Saviour's feet 4
Here lies the body of a woman who kept her word
As far as mortals could, to grieve for her would be absurd
Because her life was good, she lived and died an honest woman
Go thou and do the same, ‘twill recommend the gospel plan
And yield thee endless fame 5
Here lies the woman that ne'er denied her friends
Just in her dealings unto her latter end
Of gentle nature and of truth approved
In death lamented as in life beloved
And truth and justice charity and peace
She is gone to taste those joys that never cease 6
Here mortal soul lies mouldering in the dust
Jesus to thy dear faithful hand my naked soul I trust 2
Here perfect bliss can never be found the honey mired with gall
Midst changing scenes and dying friends be God my all in all 2
Here rest his head until the trump of Heaven
shall wake the slumbering tenants of the ?
then shall he rise to Heaven of Heavens explore
? of death or die no more 4
Her languishing head is at rest
Her thinkings and achings are o’er
Her quiet immoveable breast
Is heaved by affliction no more 4
Her pain was soon o’er but how hard thus to part, with the joy of my home
But she is gone to enjoy her reward where sickness or death cannot come 2
Her time was come to leave her earthly home
We one and all do for our lov'd one mourn
We mourn the loss of her we can't recall
Who died lamented and beloved by all 4
Her toil is past her work is done
And she is full blest
She fought the fight the victory won
And entered into rest 4
Her toils are o’er her work is done
And she is now at rest
We pray to God that she has won
Her place among the blest 4
Her toils are past her work is done
And she is fully blest
She fought the fight the victory won
And entered into rest 4
Her wearied limbs are now at rest
Her troubles now are o’er
She now amid the angels blest
Will be forevermore 4
He will be our Shepherd after as before
By still heavenly waters lead us evermore 2
His lovely blossom left this World of care
To bloom in Heaven and be an angel there 2
Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies
Heaven's morning breaks and Earth's vain shadows flee
In life in death O Lord abide with me 4
["Abide with me"]
Holy Father in thy mercy
Hear our anxious prayer
Keep our loved ones now far distant
‘Neath thy care 4
["Holy Father in thy mercy" by Isabella S Stephenson 1843-1890]
Holy Jesus every day
Keep us in the narrow way
And when earthly things are past
Bring our ransom’d souls at last
Where they need no star to guide
Where no clouds Thy glory hide 6
[From: "As with Gladness Men of Old" by William C Dix 1837-1898]
Home at last on heavenly mountains
Heard the "come and enter in"
Saved by life's fair flowing fountain
Saved from earthly taint and sin 4
Home at last on heavenly mountain
Weary pilgrimage is past
Safe by life’s fair flowing fountain
Saved by Jesus home at last 4
Home at last thy labour done
Safe and blest the victory won
Jordan past from pain set free
Angels now have welcomed thee 4
Home of the weary where in peace reposing
The happy spirit tastes unclouded bliss
Though o'er its dust their curtained grave is closing
Who would not early choose a lot like this 4
Home sweet home our home for ever
Weary pilgrim's rest
Welcomed home to wander never
Saved through Jesus home at last 4
Hope looks beyond the borders of time the youth we here deplore
Will rise to full immortal bloom and flower to fade no more 2
How e'er afflicted and distrest
Dear weary mortals here find rest 2
How loved how valued once, availed thee not
To whom related or by whom begot
A heap of dust alone remains of thee
'Tis all thou art and all the proud shall be 4
[Pope's "Elegy to the Memory of an Unfortunate Lady"]
How much she suffered Heaven knows
But now she's free from all her woes
She's passed through Jordan's swelling flood
And landed safe with Christ her God 4
How short is life how sure [or certain] is death
Our days alas how few
This mortal life is but a breath
Tis like the morning dew 4
How short out time is here on Earth
And O how solemn is a sudden death
In health one evening and the next evening gone
To prove the [?] 4
[Incompletely recorded]
How sudden was his death
How swift the fatal dart
Still with joy the saints can shout
With Jesus in his heart 4
How sweet to hear Christ say at last
Ye blessed children come
Your sorrows are for ever past
And Heaven is now your home 4
How sweet to think we’ll meet again where parting is no more
And know those we love so well have only gone before 2
How we miss her and how much, weeping hearts alone can tell
[or Heaven and Earth alone can tell]
Earth has lost her Heaven has found her
Jesus has done all things well 3
Husband farewell 'tis thou must rear
Our babes in God’s most holy fear
Teach their infant lips to pray
And guide them in the narrow way 4
Hush, blessed are the dead
In Jesus arms who rest
And lean their weary head
Forever on his breast 4
["Hush, blessed are the dead" by Edward H Bickersteth 1873]
I came to Jesus as I was weary and worn and sad
I found in him a resting place and he Hath made me glad 2
[based on "He took my sins away" Margaret J Harris 1903]
I dare not choose my lot I would not if I might
Choose thou for me my God so shall I walk aright 2
["Thy way, not mine, O Lord" by Horatius Bonar 1857]
If all the world my Saviour knew
Then all the world would love Him too 2
[hymn]
If e'er perfection was in a woman found
In her who sleeps beneath it did abound
In every duty strict she passed through life
As friend companion and beloved wife
To all endearing and by all adored
As she respected lived she died deplored 6
If love and care could death prevent
Thy days had not so soon been spent
Life was desired but God did see
Eternal life was best for thee 4
If thou should'st call me to resign
What most I prize it never was mine
I only yield thee what is thine
Thy will be done 4
["Thy will be done" C T Quintard 1824-1898]
I go to see His glory whom we have loved below
I go the blessed angels, the holy saints to know 2
[translated from German by Jane Borthwick 1854]
I have entered the valley of blessing sweet
And Jesus abides with me there
And his spirit and blood make my cleansing complete
And his perfect love casteth out fear 4
["Valley of blessing" Annie Wittenmyer 1827-1900]
I have had my share of sufferings here
Also my share of worldly care
And I hope everlasting joys to find
Glory to them I leave behind 4
I have lost my life’s companion a life linked with my own
God alone knows how much I miss him as I journey through alone 2
I heard the voice of Jesus say come unto me and rest
Lay down thou weary one lay down thy head upon my breast
I came to Jesus as I was weary and worn and sad
I found in Him a resting place and He has made me glad 4
["I heard the voice of Jesus say" by Horatius Bonar 1846]
I know that my Redeemer lives
He lives and on the Earth shall stand
And though to worms my flesh He gives
My dust lies numbered in his hands 4
[from Methodist Hymnal]
I know that my Redeemer lives
What joy the blest assurance gives
He lives He lives who once was dead
He lives my everlasting Head 4
["I know that my Redeemer lives" Charles Wesley 1742]
I leave this world without a tear
Save for those friends I loved so dear
So heal their sorrows Lord descend
And to the friendless prove a friend 4
I long for household voices gone
For vanished smiles I long
But God hath led my dear ones on
And He can do no wrong 4
In a world of pain and care
Lord Thou would'st no longer leave her
To Thy meadows bright and fair
Lovingly Thou dost receive her
Clothed in robes of spotless white
Now she dwells with Thee in light 6
["Gentle Shepherd Thou hast stilled"]
In frame of years she was out done no longer could she stay
Because it was her Saviour's will to call her hence away 2
Ingenuous youth farewell; too sad a doom
Devolves thy worth untimely to the tomb 2
In God’s acre gently sleeping
Where the flowers so softly wave
Lies the one we love so dearly
Whom we loved but could not save 4
In life’s hard toil I had my share and humble was my abode
But mercy smothered all my care and blessed me in my God 2
In love with life now she lies here
So young and sweet so deeply dear 2
In memory she is as dear today
As in the hour she passed away 2
In our home a flower grew a daughter to us was given
Then God thought best to cut her down and plant her fresh in Heaven 2
In patient love her sufferings bore
Her grief for those she loved was sore
A wife dear a mother kind
To all of those she left behind 4
In peace let me resign my breath
And thy Salvation see
My sins deserve eternal death
But Jesus died for me 4
In peace she lived in peace she died
Her life was asked but God denied 2
In prime of live God did her take
In this cold earth her bed to make 2
In prime of years I was cut down
No longer could I stay
Because it was my Saviour's will
To call me hence away 4
In silence she suffered with patience she bore
‘Til God called her home to suffer no more 2
In that great cloisters stillness and seclusion
By guardian angels led
Safe from temptation safe from sin’s pollution
She lives whom we call dead 4
["Resignation" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]
In the cold grave she now is sleeping
While angels bright are watching near
At home bereaved ones are weeping
O'er the loss of her they prized so dear 4
In the midst of life I was cut down
Sudden was my fall
And now I moulder in the dust
Till Christ for me doth call 4
In the silent grave we leave her
Till the Resurrection morn
When her Saviour will receive her
And restore her much loved form 4
In this sad world of grief and pain
We lived and toiled together
Now we have done with all things vain
And hope in Heaven to meet each other 4
In this world are many changes
But the memories still remain
Of the loved one who has left us
Whom we hope to meet again 4
In this world of sin and care
Lord thou wouldst no longer leave her
To thy meadow bright and fair
Lovingly thou didst receive her
Clothed in robes of spotless white
Now she dwells with thee in light 6
In vain our fancy strives to paint
The moment after death
The glories that surround the saints
When yielding up their breath 4
["On the death of a believer" J Newton]
I rest beneath the Almighty shade
My griefs expire my troubles cease
Thou Lord on whom my soul is stayed
Will keep me still in perfect peace 4
[Charles Wesley]
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give thee back the life I owe
That in thine ocean depths it flow
May richer fuller be [incomplete]
["O love that will not let me go" George Matheson Jan 1882]
I shall know him when redeemed by his side I shall stand
I shall know him by the print of the nails in his hand 2
[ by Fanny Crosby]
I shine in the light of God
His likeness stamps my brow
Through the valley of death my feet have trod
But I reign in glory now 4
It is a point I long to know
Oft it causes anxious thought
Do I love the Lord or no
Am I His or am I not 4
["Tis a point I long to know" John Newton]
It is enough Earth’s struggle soon shall cease
And Jesus call us to Heaven’s perfect peace 2
["Peace perfect peace in this dark world of sin" by Edward Henry Bickersteth
1875]
It is not death to die to leave the weary road
And midst the brotherhood on high to be at home with God
Jesus thou prince of life the chosen cannot die
Like Thee they conquer in the strife to reign with Thee on high 4
["It is not death to die" by H A Cesar Malon]
It is the Lord enthroned on high whose claims are all divine
Who has an undisputed right to govern me and mine 2
Its hard to part from one we loved but Jesus knows what's best
And in that better world above our dear mother is at rest 2
It's nice to know we'll meet again
Where parting is no more
And where the one we loved so well
Has only gone before 4
It was hard to part with her we loved
But she suffered so much here
We trust her with our God above
Pain does not enter there 4
It will not be long our journey here
Each broken sigh and falling tear
Will soon be gone and all will be
A cloudless sky a wave less sea 4
["Twill not be long our journey here"]
I've been so long with pain oppressed
That wore my strength away
It made me long for endless rest
Which never can decay 4
I waited patiently for the Lord
He bowed to hear my cry
And found me resting on His word
And brought salvation nigh 4
I want to be an angel and with the angels stand
A crown upon my forehead and a harp within my hand
There right before my Saviour so glorious and so bright
I’d make the sweetest music and praise him day and night 4
[Urania Locke Bailey 1820 – 1882]
I was so long with pain oppressed which wore my strength away
It made me long for endless rest that never can decay 2
I was suddenly snatched away
Death scarcely left me time to say
The Lord have mercy on my soul
So absolute is His control
Reflect when thou my grave doth see
The next they made may be for thee 6
I was with pain oppressed which wore life away
And made me wish for endless rest that never will decay 2
I was with pain sorely oppressed it wore my strength away
And made me long for Heaven that never will decay 2
I was with pain so sore oppress’d it wore my strength away
I longed for that eternal rest that never will decay 2
I will bless the Lord at all times
His praise shall continually be in my mouth 2
I will praise my Maker while I've breath
And when my voice is lost in death
Praise shall employ my nobler powers
My days of praise shall n'er be past
Where life and thought and being last
Or immortality endures 6
["I'll praise my Maker while I've breath" Isaac Watts 1714]
I you see as you pass by
And as you are so once was I
As I am so must you be to
Therefore prepare to follow me 4
Jesu' lover of my soul Let me too thy bosom fly
While the gathering waters roll while the tempest still is nigh
Hide me O my Saviour hide till the storm of life is past
Safe unto the haven guide O receive my soul at last 4
["Jesus lover of my soul" by Charles Wesley 1740]
Jesu' our hope our hearts desire
Redemption's only spring
Creator of the world art thou
It's Saviour and it's King
How vaste the mercy and the love
Which laid our sins on Thee
And led Thee to a cruel death
To set Thy people free 8
["O Christ our hope our heart's desire" translated from 8th century Latin by
John Chandler 1837
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
They are weak but he is strong 4
[Children's song]
Jesus beheld my anguish soft pity moved his breast
Nor suffered me to languish but spake my soul to rest
He pardoned my transgressions made all my sorrows cease
In his compassion restored my heart to peace 4
Jesu' the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast
But sweeter far thy face to see
And in thy presence rest 4
[by Bernard Clairvaux 12th century]
Jesus thou prince of life
Thy chosen cannot die
Like thee they conquer in the strife
To reign with thee on high 4
["It is not death to die" by George W Bethune]
Journeyed from Earth to meet her God above
Blessed in the hope of lasting joy and love
Each trouble ended sorrows no more
At last she’s gone to Heaven’s golden shore
Jealously loved by all but when we go
Love lingers with our relatives below
Ever at rest, so for him cease to weep
You know it is not death but simply sleep 8
Joy after sorrow calm after blast
Rest after weariness sweet rest at last 2
["Life after darkness" by Frances R Havergal 1879]
Joyful I lay this body down
And left this lifeless clay
Without a sigh without a groan
And stretched and soared away 4
Joys are hers serene and pure
Light that ever shall endure
[From the hymn "Soldier's who are Christ's below" written in Latin 1736
translated 1868]
Just as I am without one plea
But that thy blood was shed for me
And that thou bidst me come
To thee O Lamb of God I come 4
["Just as I am without one plea" by Charlotte Elliott 1835]
Just at dawn of day there was a parting sigh
With that the spirit fled and winged its flight on high 2
Kind father and mother I bid you adieu
No more my brothers and sisters on Earth can I live
My youthful days I spent with you on pleasure
And now Heaven I hope to have as a treasure
And free from all this wicked World's deceit
I hope in Heaven you all again to meet 6
Kindly light amidst the encircling gloom
Lead thou me on
The night is dark and I am far from home
Lead thou me on 4
["The pillar of cloud" by John Henry Newman 1801-1890]
Kind was her heart in friendship true and sound
Patient in pain beloved by all around
Her grief's now o’er her pain for ever gone
A life of endless joy we trust she’s now begun 4
Leave this world without a fear
Save for the friends I love so dear
To hear their sorrows Lord descend
And to the friendless prove a friend 4
Let but this fainting heart be blest
With thy sweet spirit for its guest
My God to thee I leave the rest 3
["My God and Father! While I stray" by Charlotte Elliott 1834]
Let no rude hand with pick or spade
Disturb these ashes of the dead
But sacred let them here remain
Till Christ does bid them live again 4
Lies the wearisome body at rest
Closed are its eyelids and quiet its breast
The glad spirit on pinions of light
Victory victory! Sings in its flight 4
Life of late a burden was to me
Restless nights and days of misery
For live long years til death at last
Struck keen his dart now all my sorrows's past 4
Life’s duty done as sinks the clay
Light from its load the spirit flies
While Heaven and Earth combine to say
How blest the righteous when she die 4
Life's race well run
Life's work well done
Now comes rest 3
Life's work well done
Life's crown well won
Then comes rest 3
Like a lily fair and green
Soon cut down and no more seen
Beloved she was in peace she died
Her life was asked but God denied 4
Like crowded forest trees we stand
And some are marked to fall
The axe will strike at God’s command
And soon will strike us all 4
[William Cowper 1787]
Lingering illness did me seize
And the physician could not me ease
Till God thought fit to ease my pain
And take me unto bliss divine 4
Loaded with years oppressed with pain
The King of terrors brought them kind relief 2
Lo here she lies her deeds deserve love
Her body here her soul is far above
For truth [or faith] and justice charity and peace
She's gone to taste those joys that never cease
[ orShe is gone to joys that never, never cease] 4
Long days and nights of weakening sickness came
And gently broke the pins of nature’s frame
But grace supported her her pains to bear
And Heaven breathed down her own celestial air
She felt the influence come, her trembling breast
Fill’d with her Saviour’s love was lulled to rest 6
Long days of affliction she bore which wasted her delicate frame
But now all her sufferings are o’er she never will suffer again 2
Long in affliction long in sickness tried
Calm and serene with fortitude she died
She proved in all the duties of domestic life
A tender mother a true and virtuous wife 4
Long time I lived in grief and pain
While on the Earth I did remain
But the Lord has given me rest
And numbered me amongst the blest 4
[Methodist Hymnal 1889]
Look after her O Lord we pray
Until in Heaven we meet some day 2
Lord all pitying Jesu' blest
Grant her thine eternal rest 2
Lord all pitying Saviour blest
Grant her thine eternal rest 2
Lord it is my chief complaint
That my love is weak and faint
Yet I love thee and adore
O for grace to love thee more 4
["Hark my soul it is the Lord" William Cowper 1768]
Lord though in lonely grief we sigh
For her beloved no longer nigh
Submissive still would we reply
Thy will be done 4
Lord tis a pleasant thing to stand
In gardens planted by the hand
Lord may I within Thy courts be seen
Like a young cedar fresh and green 4
["Adeste Fidales" Isaac Watts 1782 from Psalm 92]
Lord unto thy precious keeping
Leave we now thy servant sleeping 2
Lord when to thee my sinning soul
Did in affliction fly
Thy mercy did my cries control
And all my wants supply 4
Lost a while our treasured love
Gained for ever safe above 2
["Tender Shepherd thou hast stilled" Johann W Meinhold 1797 - 1851]
Lo the pain of life is past
All her warfare now is o'er
Death and Hell behind are cast
Grief and suffering are no more 4
Lo the prisoner is released lighten'd of her fleshy load
Where the weary are at rest She is gathered unto God 2
Loved ones are gone before
Whose pilgrim days are done
I soon shall greet them on that shore
Where partings are unknown 4
Loving and kind in all her ways
Upright and just to the end of her days
Honest and true in heart and mind
A beautiful memory left behind 4
Loving and loved has their race been run
Nobly and well has their work been done
Parents thy children's prayer shall be
To tread in the path that was trodden by thee 4
Lovely buds so young and fair called hence by early doom
Just came to show how sweet such flowers in paradise could bloom 2
Love will link the broken chain
When in heaven we meet again 2
Make haste O man to live
For thou so soon must die
Time hurries past thee like the breeze
How sweet its moments fly 4
["Make haste O man to live" by Horatius Bonar]
Make use of present time because you must
Take up your lodgings shortly in the dust
Keep death and judgement always in your eye
None's fit to live except they're fit to die 4
Man's life is like unto a Winter's day
Some only break their fast & so away
Others stay dinner & depart full fed
The deepest age but sups & goes to bed
O reader then behold & see
As I am now so must you be 6
["Horae Sucissive" Joseph Henshaw 1631]
Memories still whispering in my ear
Past kindest words are forever dear
An old song recalled still bring them near
Such words and music bring too, their tear 4
Memory is a golden chain
That binds us till we meet again 2
Mercy good Lord is all I want
Mercy's the total sum
For mercy Lord is all my suit
Lord let thy mercy come 4
[John Marckant 1586 or earlier]
Mourn not dear friends my death took me away
Nor yet that I had here too short a stay
But let this thought compose your troubled breast
What Heaven appoints is right and always best 4
Mourn not for her whom God hath blest
And taken to his heavenly rest
Freed from all sorrow grief and pain
Our Lord is her eternal gain 4
Mourn not for me my life is past
I loved you all while life did last
My Jesus came, I could not stay
And angels beckoned me away 4
My body here is laid to rest
Its earthly toils are past
And to its home among the blest
My soul is come at last 4
My childlike heart to thee
Still let me till his days are past
At Jesus feet abide
Shall He lift me up at last
And set me by his side 5
[John (or Charles) Wesley]
My dear do not sorrow and weep
Whilst I am dust its really sleep
Which when the blessed day appear
May we both meet and children dear 4
My flesh shall slumber in the ground
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise
And in our Saviour's image rise 4
My friends in time prepare
For that deserves your greatest care
This life you see have no stay
Its like a shadow soon pass away 4
My home is Heaven all glory be
And now my Saviour I do see
To Heaven my Saviour welcome the 3
My husband dear my life is past
My love for you through life did last
Weep not for me nor sorrow take
But love my children for my sake 4
My knowledge of that life is small
The eye of faith is dim
But its enough that God knows all
And I shall be with Him 4
[Richard Baxter 1615 - 1691]
My lovely gem soon snatched away
In brighter [ ? ] to shine
Thousands will wish at Judgement Day
Their lives were short like thine 4
My pains were great no tongue can tell
What I endured when I was ill
The Lord in mercy thought it best
And took me to a place of rest
Then parents dear weep not for me
I hope in Heaven I shall you see 6
My parents moderate your grief
The hand that wounds the same affords relief
Tis God that gives 'tis God that takes away
It is not right we should his will gainsay 4
My parents while on Earth you dwell
Weep not that I am gone before
For though you loved me passing well
My Lord my Saviour loved me more
'Twas He who called me up to Heaven
And not the Almighty’s vengeful rod
You could not give what He has given
Nor guide and guard me like my God 8
My Redeemer is above Him will I go to see
And faithful pilgrims here below shall soon come after me 2
My sledge and hammer lay reclined
My bellows too have lost their wind
My fire's extinct my forge decayed
And in the dust my vice is laid
My coal is spent my iron gone
My nails are driven my work is done 6
[From Godey's Magazine and Lady's Book April 1854]
My soul at last a rest has found a rest that will not fail
A sure and certain anchorage found in Christ within the vail 2
My time with you was short and sweet
In Heaven I hope with you to meet 2
My wearied limbs are now at rest
Suffering and pain with me are o'er
I go to meet my loved ones whom God hath
In Heaven where we shall part no more 4
My weeping parents moderate your grief
The hand that wounds, the same affords relief
'Tis God that gives 'tis God that takes away
It is not right we should his will gainsay
From every human ill I now am free
And called my blessed Saviour’s face to see 6
My word is true thy will is just
To thee we leave them Lord in trust 2
["God of the living in whose eyes" by John Ellerton 1858]
Nipped in the bud of life
Kept at the Father’s hand
Safe from the battle’s strife
Gone to a better land 4
No bed of sickness to refine her faith
But in the midst of life she sunk into death 2
No gloomy fears their souls dismay
his presence sheds eternal day
On those prepared to meet Him 3
No grief is there no tears of sorrow flow
No latter memory of a world of woe
No ills no wrongs immortal joys molest
The wicked harm not and the weary rest 4
No ill can reach her now she rests above
Safe in the bosom of Celestial Love 2
No longer then let death be dreaded or deplored
‘Tis a deliverance from the flesh to bring us to the Lord 2
No loving hand clasped yours that day
No home voice said goodbye
You fell in battle's dread affray
But God himself was nigh 4
No more we see her in our house no more her voice we hear
For death has been and stole away the one we loved so dear 2
None knows how much we miss her
None but aching hearts can tell
Earth has lost her Heaven has gained her
Jesus hath done all things well 4
None knows how much we miss her
None but aching hearts can tell
Earth has lost her Heaven has gained her
Jesus orders all things well 4
No, not cold beneath the grasses not close walled beneath the tomb
Rather in my Father’s mansion serving in another room 2
No not lost but gone before us let her never be forgot
Sweet her memory to the lonely in our hearts she dieth not 2
No one knows what I have suffered, none have known the pain I bore
But Jesus thought it best to take me in his arms for evermore 2
No power could wrest the mighty hand of death
Nor longer stay my fast expiring health
And I had sunk in anguish and despair
But the Good Shepherd made my soul his care 4
Not all the skill that mortals have
Can stop the hand of death nor save
Their fellow mortal from the grave 3
Not dead to those who loved her
Not lost but gone before
She lives with us in memory still
And will for ever more 4
Not gone from memory not gone from love
But gone to her Father’s home above 2
Not gone from memory not gone from love
But gone to our Father’s home above. 2
Not hushed the pleasant sound that used to greet our ear
But amid the angel throng sounding more sweet and clear 2
Nothing but memories as we journey on
Longing for a smile of our loved one gone 2
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to thy cross I cling 2
[From hymn "Rock of Ages"]
No time to say goodbye
Before God called you home on high 2
Not lost but gone before
Crossed the river reached the shore
And from eternal heights look off
And beckon us to Heaven 4
Not now but in the coming years
It may be in the better land
We'll know the meaning of our tears
And then perhaps we'll understand 4
[ From "Some time we'll understand" by Maxwell N Cornelius 1891]
No tongue of mortal can express
No pen can write the blessedness
He only who hath proved it knows
What bliss from love of Jesus flows 4
Now all the toils of life are o’er
And pain and grief are felt no more
Jesus will [?] me on his throne
And treat this body like his own 4
Now I can read my title clear to mansions in the sky
I bid farewell to all my fears and wipe my weeping eyes 2
Now on Earth I breathe no more
The prayer oft mixed with tears before
Resting? upon a happier shore
Thy will be done 4
Now she is gone to enjoy the promised rest
Of those who die in faith and with the Lord are blest 2
Now the labourer’s task is o’er
Now the battle day is past
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last 4
["Now the labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1871]
Now the labourer’s task is o’er
Now upon that farther shore
There all pain and sorrow cease
She rests in perfect peace 4
["Now the labourer's task is o'er" by John Ellerton 1871]
Now the spirit conflict riven
Wounded heart unequal strife
Afterward the triumph given
And the victor’s crown of life 4
["Now and afterwards"]
O accidental death that would not spare
A loving wife and tender mother dear
Great is the loss to those she left behind
Though she no doubt eternal joy do find 4
O be earnest, do not stay
Thou mayest perish e'en today
Rise thou lost one rise and flee
Lo! thy Saviour waits for thee 4
[Hymn by Dyer 1795]
O blessed Lord what a happy home I've got
Sure you thought [?] should be my lot
Therefore dear friends repent and pray
That you may be at peace with God that great Judgment Day 4
O blessed Lord whose mercy then removed
Child whom every eye that looked on loved
Support us, teach us, calmly to resign
What we possessed and now is wholly thine 4
["Six months to six years added he remained" by W Wordsworth]
O call it not death 'tis a holy sleep
And the precious dust the Lord doth keep
She shall wake again and how satisfied
With the likeness of Him for her who died
As He rose again she shall also rise
From the quiet bed where now safe she lies
Then cheer ye fond mourners who sadly weep
For happy are they who in Jesus sleep 8
O cruel death hath separated here
A loving mother to her children dear
She was a tender mother in her life
And to her husband a faithful wife
Her days she ended with grief and pain
And hope for everlasting joys to gain 6
O cruel death that met me by the way
And quickly turned me to a lump of clay
Short was my life and longer rest may be
Cut off in youth as you may plainly see
Nurs'd up with care for parents dear had I
Who loved me well and grieved to see me die 6
O cruel death that would not spare
A loving wife and tender mother dear
Great is the loss to those she left behind
But we hope in Heaven eternal joy to find
And now I am gone for me no sorrow take.
-?- my children for their father’s sake 6
O dear child how sure the fatal dart
Directed to the human heart
Frail mortal to destroy yet through our dear Redeemer’s love
We hope to share that life above
In ever lasting love 5
O draw me close unto Thy breast
Close as my soul can come
And let me there take up my rest
In Thy eternal name 4
Oh bring me to view Thee then precious sweet King
In mansions of glory thy praises to sing 4
["The Bible Harp"??]
Oh ! call it not death ‘tis a holy sleep
And the precious dust the Lord doth keep
She shall wake again and how satisfied
With a likeness of Him who for her died
As He rose again she shall also rise 5
Oh call it not death 'tis life begun
The waters are past the home is won
The ransomed spirit has reached the shore
Where she weeps nor suffers nor sins no more 4
Oh death that would not spare a loving daughter
And tender sister dear
The loss is great to those she left behind
But hope in Heaven to later comfort find 4
Oh direful death how keen thy stroke
Link after link thy hand hath broke
Within our family chain
But this our triumph soon shall be
Departed friends again to see
Where thou canst cause no pain 6
Oh do not ask us if we miss her
Words would fail our loss to tell
But in Heaven we hope to meet her
Never more to say farewell 4
Oh happy saints forever blest
At Jesu's feet how safe your rest 2
[Hymn title]
Oh happy saints who dwell in light
And walk with Jesus clothed in white
Safe landed on that peaceful shore
Where pilgrims meet to part no more 4
[John Berridge 1716-1793]
Oh how patient in thy suffering
When no hand could give thee ease
God the helper of the helpless
Saw thy grief and sent thee peace 4
Oh how we miss her, sadly miss her sorrowing hearts alone can tell
Earth has lost her, Heaven has found her, Jesus hath done all things well 2
O how we miss her, O sadly aching hearts alone can tell
Earth has lost her Heaven has gained her Jesus has done all things well 2
Oh not lost but gone before us let her never be forgot
Sweet her memory to the lonely in our hearts she perish not 2
Oh! Lad of my love that lone grave at Bassee
Hides thy dear form from my eyes evermore
Would I had followed in flesh as in spirit
When summoned by God you went forth to the war
Sons shall come home to the mother’s who bore them
Husbands clasp wives to their bosoms again
A few more years shall roll a few more seasons come
And we shall be with those that rest asleep within the tomb 8
Oh look at this stone ye who pass by
As you are now so once was I
Oh do as you would wish to be done by
Oh try for soon we all must die
Many a cross and many a brier
My path doth compass round
In life’s most darksome dreary hour
With Christ there’s comfort found 8
O how sweet it will be in that beautiful land
So free from all sorrow and pain
With songs on our lips and with harps in our hands
To meet one another again 4
["Home of the soul" by Ellen M H Gates 1865]
Oh then what raptured greetings
On Canaan's happy shore
What knitting severed friendships up
Where partings are no more 4
Oh the sweet joy that scripture giveth
I know that my Redeemer liveth 2
Oh weep not for one who has such an accession of joy
Peace and comfort in mansions above
You would not deprive her of such a possession
As that of the Saviour’s unchangeable love 4
Oh why was she taken so young and fair
A loss so great a blow severe
To part with her we wanted so dear 3
O let me on the bed of death
The great salvation see
And cry with my expiring breath
Dear Lord remember me 4
O Lord I wait Thy pleasure Thy time and ways are blest
But I am wasted worn and weary O Father bid me rest 2
O love that will not let me go
I rest my weary soul in thee
I give thee back the life I owe
That in thine ocean depths it flow
May richer fuller be 5
[by George Matheson 1882]
O may I stand before the Lamb
When earth and seas are fled
And hear the Judge announce my name
With blessings on my head 4
["The last judgement" by Isaac Watts 1674-1748]
O may we stand before the throne
When earth and seas are fled
And hear the Judge pronounce our names
With blessings on our heads 4
["The last judgement" by Isaac Watts 1674-1748]
Once did I think life’s waves to tread
In mine own strength but soon in dread
Cried for help as I began to sink at length the Master took my hand
And thus sustained I reached the welcome land 4
["Lyra memorialis"]
Once I enjoyed blooming store of health
More to be prised than stock of glittering wealth
A lingering illness selected me in my prime
In sore affliction long I spent my time
The help of mortal men were all in vain
Till God thought fit to free me from my pain 6
On Earth she did a mother's share, respected and beloved
In Heaven her reward is there a place with God above 2
One day the heavenly sower shall reap where He hath sown
And come again rejoicing and with Him bring His own 2
One of the best in every way
Loved and missed more every day
Peacefully sleeping free from pain
In God's own time we shall meet again 4
One less at home the charmed circle broken, a dear face
Missed day by day from its accustomed place
But cleansed and saved and perfected by grace
One more in Heaven 4
One less at home the family circle broken
A dear form missed from its accustomed place
But saved and sanctified by grace
One more in heaven 4
One long sad year has passed since our great sorrow fell
Still in our hearts we mourn for her, the one we loved so well 2
One of the sweetest dearest and best
Now in God's keeping safely at rest 2
One sin could blight or sorrow fade
Death came with friendly care
The opening bud to Heaven conveyed
And bade it blossom there 4
Only a little angel gone to its heavenly rest
Only a little lamb safe on our Saviour’s breast 2
Only a step removed and that step into bliss
Our own dearly loved whom here on Earth we miss 2
Only a step removed we soon again shall meet
Our own, our dearly loved, around the Saviour’s feet 2
Only "Good night" beloved not "farewell"
A little while and all his saints shall dwell in hallowed union indivisible 2
On that happy Easter morning all the graves their dead restore
Father mother brother sister meet once more 2
["On the resurrection morning" by Sabine Baring-Gould 1864]
On the resurrection morning soul and body meet again
No more sorrow no more weeping no more pain 2
["On the resurrection morning" by Sabine Baring-Gould 1864]
On these few lines pray cast an eye
No flattery they contain
Those only who in Christ do die
In Christ shall rise again 4
O think that while you're weeping
Here her hand a golden harp is stringing
And with voice serene and clear
Her happy soul without a tear 4
O passing stranger call this not
A place of fear and gloom
I love to linger o’er this spot
It is my baby’s tomb 4
Our age to seventy years is set
How short the term how frail the state
And if to eighty we arrive
We rather sigh and groan than live 4
Our dear suffering parents are gone
To the realms of pleasure and peace
No more will they struggle and moan
Their Saviour has sent a release 4
Our father is gone and we are left the loss of him to mourn
May we meet with him we loved with Christ before God’s throne 2
Our friend and sister Lo is dead
The cold and lifeless clay
Hath made in dust its silent bed
And there it must decay
But she is dead no no she lives
Her happy spirit flies
To Heaven above and there receives
The long expected prize 8
Our life hangs on a single thread
Which soon is cut and we are dead
Then boast not reader of thy might
Alive at noon and dead at night 4
Our life is but a fading dawn its glorious noon how quickly past
Lead O Christ when all is gone safe home at last 2
["The radiant morn has passed away" by Godfrey Thring 1864]
Our loss is great we'll not complain
But hope in Heaven to meet again 2
Our loving parents true and kind
They proved to us in heart and mind
They were all in all to us as well
When they on Earth with us did dwell 4
Our mother so kind is gone to her rest her troubles and sorrows are o’er
Her kind and affectionate heart is at ease from the pain that with patience she
bore
She’s rejoicing in Heaven we hope with God’s angels for ever to dwell
She was loved and respected by all Jesus called her and she bade us farewell 4
Our precious baby went away
But our love is here to stay 2
Ours is just a simple prayer
God bless and keep you in His care 2
O we miss her and how sadly loving hearts alone can tell
Earth has lost her Heaven has found her Jesus has done all things well 2
Pale consumption gave the fatal blow
The stroke was certain the effect was slow
With wasting pain death found her long oppressed
Pity'd her sighs and kindly brought her rest 4
Parents dear weep not for me
Because I died so young
the fewer years the fewer sins
God's will it must be done 4
Pass a few swiftly fleeting years
And all that now in bodies live shall quit like me this vale of tears
Their righteous sentence to receive 3
Past her sufferings past her pain
Cease to weep for tears are vain
Calm the tumult of thy breast
She who suffered is at rest 4
Patient and meek she bore afflictions rod
[or Patient and meek beneath afflictions rod]
And why? because her faithfulness was fixed on God 2
Patiently she bore her sufferings smiling in the midst of pain
Softly came the call to Heaven giving peace like gentle rain 2
Peace be your rest dear mother ‘tis sweet to breathe your name
In life we loved you always, in death we do the same 2
Peacefully sleeping
Free from pain
In God's keeping
Until we meet again 4
Peace little loving sleeper
Close to thy Saviour's side
Housed with thy tender keeper
Safe for the Lord has died 4
Peace perfect peace death shadowing us and ours
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers 2
[Peace perfect peace" by Edward H Hickersteth jnr]
Peace perfect peace in this dark world of sins
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within 2
[Peace perfect peace" by Edward H Hickersteth jnr]
Peace perfect peace with loved ones far away
In Jesus keeping we are safe and they! 2
["Peace perfect peace, in this dark world of sin"]
Reader in health and strength, death may be near thee
Let my removal warn you to prepare
When Earth’s joys are fled on, what can cheer thee
Look to the Saviour’s cross, seek comfort there 4
Reader prepare to meet thy God
Through faith in the Redeemer's blood
But never hope to enter Heaven
While unrenewed and unforgiven 4
Reader this silent grave contains
A much loved daughter's dear remains
Death like a frost hath nipped her bloom
And sent her early to the tomb 4
Reader thy days are but few
They pass like the morning dew
Though I did live old age to see
Though thy youth must follow me 4
Reader thy days to live are few
They pass as doth the morning dew
Though I have lived old age to see
Thou in thy youth may follow me 4
Released from sorrow sin and pain and freed from every care
By angels hands to Heaven conveyed to rest forever there 2
Remember me as you pass by
As you are now so once was I
As I am now so must you be
Prepare for death and follow me 4
Remember me as you pass by
As you are now so once was I
As I am now so must you be
Therefore prepare to follow me 4
Renew my will from day to day
Blend it with thine and take away
All that now makes it hard to say
Thy will be done 4
["My God and Father! while I stray" by Charlotte Elliott 1834]
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last after long agony rapture of bliss
Right was the pathway leading to this 2
[based on "Light after darkness" by Frances R Havergal 1879]
Rest comes at last though life be long and dreary
The day must dawn and darksome night be past
All journeys end in welcome to the weary
And Heaven the heart's true home has come at last 4
["Hark hark my soul" Frederick William Faber 1854]
Rest for the prize is won
Rest for no toil remains
Rest for the task is done
Rest ‘tis thy God who reigns 4
Rest gentle spirit rest thy conflict's o'er thy labours done
Angels thy friends thy home the presence of the Holy One 2
Resting where no shadows fall
In perfect peace to await us all 2
Rest in the shadow of thy cross my Lord
Rest at thy feet in listening to thy word
Rest on thy bosom trusting to thy love
Rest beneath thy easy yoke then rest above 4
Rest on dear husband thy labours are over
Thy willing hands will toil no more
A loving husband a father kind
No friend on earth like thee we find 4
Rest on dear mother thy labours o’er
Thy willing hands will toil no more
A faithful mother true and kind
No friend on earth like thee we find 4
Rest on dear one thy labours are o’er
Thy willing hands will toil no more
A faithful wife true and kind
No friend on Earth like thee I find 4
Rest, rest in peace thy work is done
Thy sorrows are o'er thy victory won
How sweet it is to rest upon that shore
Where pain and sorrow are felt no more 4
Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flow’d
Be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from its guilt and power 6
["Rock of Ages" by Augustus M Toplady 1776
Safe in the arms of Jesus safe on his gentle breast
Safe from the World's temptations sweetly his soul doth rest 2
Safe in the arms of Jesus safe on his gentle breast
There by his love o’ershaded sweetly my soul shall rest 2
["Safe in the arms of Jesus" by Fanny Crosbie 1868]
Safe landed on the shining shore the aged pilgrims rest
Their happy spirits fear no more they are forever blest 2
Safely, safely gathered in
Far from sorrow, far from sin
God has saved from weary strife
In its dawn this fresh young life
Now it waits for us above
Resting in the Saviour's love
Jesus grant that we may meet
There adoring at thy feet 8
Seek now that Christ thy guilty soul may save
For there is no repentance in the grave 2
See the kind Shepherd Jesus stands with all engaging charms
Hark how He calls the tender ones and folds them in his arms 2
[From a Sunday School Prayer Book]
Servant of God well done
Rest from your loved employ
The battle fought the victory won
Enter your Master's joy 4
Shall we grieve because she's happy
Shall we wish her back to weep
Since our Saviour in his kindness
Placed our lamb among his sheep 4
Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain
Sight after mystery, peace after pain
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last 4
[A Welsh hymn by Francis R Havergal 1836-79]
She bade no one a last farewell
She could not say goodbye
Her soul had fled before we knew
But memories never die 4
She bade no one a last farewell
She said goodbye to none
The gates of heaven were open wide
And a loving voice said come 4
She bade no one a last farewell
She waved her hand to none
She took her flight before we knew
That she had from us gone 4
She bade the world a glad farewell, she's done with suffering now
And never more one passing shade of grief shall shade her peaceful brow 2
She bore the pain she bore it well
And what she suffered none can tell 2
She died but to live and to rest
Must glories unknown to us here
In Heaven amongst those that are blest
She is happy for evermore there 4
She died in Jesus and is blessed
How sweet her slumbers are
From sufferings and from sins released
And freed from every care 4
She had not riches but a humble heart
In meek submission with her lot to bow
Even on earth she saw her God in part
And face to face she sees his glory now 4
She has gone before and our tears should cease
At the thought of our dear one's perfect peace
Our journey done we shall meet once more
For the dead are not lost but gone before 4
She has gone from our home to a mansion above
Our hearts in deep anguish are riven
But why should we mourn for the mother we love
When we know she is happy in heaven 4
She has gone, the grave has received her Jesus has called her away
The Lord has redeemed her from night to the splendour of day 2
She has gone the one we loved so dear
To her eternal rest
She is gone we need not fear
To be forever blest 4
She has reached the sunny shore
She will never suffer more
All her pains and grief are o'er
To be with Christ for ever more 4
She is gone and now her sufferings are o’er
No pain or sorrow can molest her more
Many sad years she passed in hopeless pain
Physicians skills and art were all in vain
No earthly power could health to her restore
It was God’s ordaining who can his way explore
By death set free his parting soul took flight
To realms of bliss and everlasting light 8
She is gone and the grave has received her
It was Jesus that called her away
She is gone to the Lord who redeemed her
From night to the splendour of day 4
She is gone beyond mortal ken
We shall see her no more below
Soon we shall pass though the lowly glen
The way that all mortals go
May we fear no ills to meet
But safe in Jesus dwell at his feet
In a holy happy clime 7
She is gone from our midst it is but for a while
And with pleasure though mingled with pain
I will treasure her sayings and think of her smile
And look for her coming again 4
She is gone from our midst it is but for a while
And with pleasure though mingled with pain
We will treasure her sayings and think of her smiles
And look onto our meeting again 4
She is gone from this world to the land of her rest
To the country of the happy and the home of the blest
Released from all sorrow and freed from all pain
Triumphant forever with Jesus to reign 4
She is gone from those she loved most dear
She suffered pain and sorrow here
But now we know she is at rest
To be with Christ forever blest 4
She is gone from those she loved so dear
She bore both pain and sorrow here
Our only hope is she is at rest
And with Jesus ever blest 4
She is gone the faithful and true hearted, home where kindred spirits live
Not gone from memory not gone from love but gone to her Father’s home above 2
She is gone the grave has received her
It was Jesus who called her away
She is gone to the Lord who redeemed her
From night to the splendour of day 4
She is gone the one we loved so dear
She suffered pain and sorrow here
But now we know she is at rest
To be with Christ forever blest 4
She is gone the one we loved so dear
To her eternal rest
She is gone to heaven we have no fear
And is forever blest 4
She is gone the one we loved so dear
To her eternal rest
She is gone to Heaven we have no fear
She is for ever blest 4
She is gone the one we loved so dear
To her eternal rest
She is gone to Heaven we have no fear
To be forever blest 4
She is gone to be an angel
And with the angels stand
A crown upon her forehead
A harp within her hand 4
She is gone to the regions of light
She’s in Heaven today, she was with us last night
Though to part with my child was a trial severe
Yet its better she should be yonder, than here 4
She is gone to the Saviour a sweet happy thought
Salvation for her with his life blood he bought
She is gone to be crowned with the angels above
And join them in praising the Saviour they love 4
She is gone we all shall miss her
Time will fail our loss to tell
But in Heaven we hope to meet her
Evermore with her to dwell 4
She is not dead but gone before
Has crossed the river reached the shore
And from the eternal heights looks o'er
And beckons us to Heaven 4
She is not dead but gone to rest in silence 'til the day
When Christ shall come to judge mankind and call his own away 2
She is not dead but only lieth sleeping
In the sweet refuge of her Master’s breast
And far away from sorrow toil and weeping
She is not dead but only taking rest 4
She is not dead but sleepeth
The Lord in safety keepeth
Her whom we loved so well
And soon her mouldering dust shall be
Restored to life and liberty
A Saviour's love to tell
A glorious home with these to share
Who have like her their treasure there ?
She is not dead but sleeping a sleep how calm how blest
When Christ the spirit keepeth the wearied frame hath rest 2
She is not tasting death but taking rest
On the same holy couch which Jesus lay
To awake all clarified and blest
Then day shall break and shadows flee away 4
She is safe in her Father's home above
In the place prepared by her Saviour's love
To depart from a world of sin and strife
And to be with Jesus yes this is life 4
She laid her body down to sleep while angels guard her head
And through the hours of darkness keep their watch around her bed
With cheerful heart she closed her eyes since she will not remove
Til in the glorious land above she rise rejoicing in his love 4
["And now another day is gone" by Isaac Watts]
She learned to die whilst she had breath
And so she lives now after death 2
She little thought of resting here
But Lord thy power is everywhere
And when the last great day shall come
May thine abode be her sweet home 4
She loved His saints to be among
She loved His day and word
She now doth worship with the throng
Who see their glorious Lord 4
She much affliction in this world did find
The same endured with meek & patient mind
Till God was pleased her sufferings to redress
Rewarding her with endless happiness 4
She now partakes the joys above
And helps to sing redeeming love 2
She rests in Jesus blessed thought hush mourners do not weep
Would you recall her from that rest or wake her from that sleep 2
She rests in Jesus life’s battle is o’er
Sin and sorrow or pain shall afflict her no more
The valley is past, the victory won
And all that is wearying past and done 4
She's gone, she's gone the little lamb her face we can no more behold
For Jesu' the great Shepherd came and took her to his heavenly fold 2
She suffered patiently and long
Her hope was bright her faith was strong
The peace of Jesus filled her breast
And in his arms she sank to rest 4
She the crown of glory wear
We the cross a while must bear
She has reached the realms of day
We hope to meet in Heaven one day 4
She took the cup of life to sip
Too bitter twas to drain
She meekly took it from her lips
And went to sleep again 4
She waited patiently for the Lord our God
Nor did she wait in vain
At length the gracious Lord appeared
And soon removed our pain 4
She was a tender mother in her life
And to he husband an affectionate wife
Her days she ended here in pain
In hope of everlasting joys to gain 4
She was born for better things
The high behest was given
The holy angels with their wings
Wafted her to Heaven 4
She was a tender mother in her life
And to her husband an affectionate wife
Her days she ended here in pain
In hope of everlasting joys to gain 4
She was loved in life and is still living yet
In the heart of one who will never forget 2
She was spared the pain of parting tears, she was spared all mortal strife
It was scarcely dying she only passed in a moment to eternal life 2
Short was her life sweet is her rest
God calls for those He loveth best
We deeply mourn her race is run
Father in Heaven thy will be done 4
Short was her life the longer rest may be
Cut off in youth as you may plainly see
Nursed up with care for parents dear had she
Who loved her well and grieved to see her die 4
Short was my course and early came the word
Which called me to the bosom of my Lord
Spared the long labours of the dangerous way
My ransomed spirit springs to endless day 4
Short was my life in this vain world
And sudden was my death
One moment working with my hands
The next lost my breath 4
Short was my life the longer rest may be
Cut off in youth as you may plainly see
Nursed up with care for parents dear had I
Who loved me well and grieved to see me die 4
Short was my time the longer is my rest
God called me hence because He thought it best
Therefore dear friends lament for me no more
I am not lost but gone a while before 4
Short was the little darling’s stay
She came but as a guest
Tasted life then fled [or passed] away
To her eternal rest 4
Should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls his own
And bids them leave a world of woe
For an immortal crown 4
["Why should our tears in sorrow flow" by William H Bathurst 1796-1877]
Should swift death this night o'er take us
And our couch become our tomb
May the morn in Heaven awake us
Clad in light and deathless bloom 4
["Saviour breathe an Evening Blessing" James Edmeston]
Sin and care no more can pain her
Her grief and troubles past
Fears can ne'er again alarm her
Peace and joy are found at last 4
Sister thou art gone before and thy saintly soul is flown
Where tears are wiped from every eye and sorrow is unknown 2
["Burial hymn" by Henry Hart Milman from "The Martyr of Antioch"]
Sleep for well I know thy dream is peace
And since thy heart felt the throb of pain
And slow worked at length its own release
Twir cruel now to wish thee here again
The kind concern for friends around........?
Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest
Lay down thy weary head upon thy Saviour’s breast
We loved thee well
But Jesus loved thee best 4
Sleep on dear daughter and take thy rest
We miss you most who love you best 2
Sleep on dear mother and take your rest
For God hath called when he thought best
The loss is great that we sustain
But hope in Heaven to meet again 4
Sleep on loved one Thy labours o'er
Thy willing hands shall toil no more 2
Sleep thy last sleep free from care and sorrow
Rest where none weep till the eternal morrow 2
So dear so very dear to God, dearer I cannot be
The love wherewith He loved his son such is his love for me 2
Softly her fainting head she laid upon her mother's breast
Her Saviour took her soul and laid her flesh to rest 2
So good a wife and good a mother
Pale death can scarcely find another
She's with the Lord we need not fear
We hope in Christ to meet her there 4
So man departs this earthly scene
To sleep in death's cold gloom
Until the eternal morning break
The slumber of the tomb 4
Some day we hope to meet you
Some day we know not when
To clasp your hand in a better land
Never to part again 4
Some may think we have forgotten you as they oft times see us smile
But they little know the sorrow that is hidden all the while 2
Soon shall come the great awakening
Soon the rending of the tomb
Then the scattering of all shadows
And the end of toil and gloom 4
["Though the night of doubt and sorrow" Bernhardt Ingemann]
So short thy life thy morning sun seem'd but to rise in vain
yet when it set thy spirit won a joy unknown to pain 2
So when the friends we love the best
Lie in their churchyard bed
We must not weep too bitterly
Over the happy dead
Because for our dear Saviour's sake
Our sins are all forgiven
And Christians only fall asleep
To wake again in Heaven 8
Stars shine on the silent grave
Of him we loved but could not save
On Earth there’s strife in Heaven rest
We miss him most who loved him best 4
Still her death hath left a pang no time can heal
Nor poets write but parents feel 2
Still one in life and one in death
One in our hope of rest above
One in our joy our trust our faith
One in each other's faithful love 4
Stop passengers thy footsteps hither bend
Lament a tender mother, wife and friend 2
Stop reader let this solemn truth
Your weary heart and soul engage
A worm is in the bud of youth
As well as at the root of age 4
{based on William Cowper 1787]
Stranger pause a moment stay
Tread lightly o'er this mound of clay
Her earthly trials now are past
May she be found with God at last 4
Stranger reflect when you pass by
As you are now so once was I
As I am now so you must be
Prepare yourself to follow me 4
Submissive to thy will my God to thee my Father I resign
I mourn but dare not to repine 2
["Submissive to thy will my God" by Thomas Haweis 1734-1820]
Sudden death in a moment fell
I had not time to bid my friends farewell
From health to death was but a day
Quickly was I called away
Prepare yourself whilst this you view
The summons next may be for you 6
Suffered my allotted years
Till my Redeemer came
And wiped away his servant’s tears
And took his exile home 4
Sunshine passes shadows fall
Sweet remembrance outlasts all 2
Sweet are the memories that never fade
Of one we loved but could not save 2
Sweetest memories that will never fade
Of one we loved but could not save
One of the kindest, one of the best
God gave her eternal rest 4
Sweet is the slumber beneath the sod
While the pure spirit rest with God 2
Swift and sudden came the parting taken home without a sigh
We hardly thought her life had ended because we could not say "goodbye" 2
Take comfort Christians when your friends in Jesus fall asleep
There better being never ends why then dejected weep
Why inconsolable as those to whom no hope is given
Death is the messenger of peace and calls the soul to Heaven 4
Teach us to live that we may dread
Our grave as little as our bed
Teach us to die so we may
Rise glorious at the awful day 4
Tender mother and virtuous wife
Here sleeps in humble hope of better life 2
Tender Shepherd thou hast stilled
Now thy little lambs brief weeping
Ah, how peaceful pale and mild
In its narrow bed 'tis sleeping
And no sign of anguish sore
Heaves that little bosom more 6
["Tender shepherd thou hast stilled" by Johann W Meinhold 1797-1851]
That undisturbed my dusts should sleep
They dug my grave and dug it deep
Yet not so deep but I shall hear
When Christ my Saviour draweth near 4
The blighted flower shall bloom again, the fallen star shall rise
Triumphant from the gloom of death, to glory in the skies 2 The blow is bitter
the loss severe
To part with one we loved so dear
The trial is hard we must not complain
But trust in God to meet again 4
The blow was bitter the sting severe
To part with one we loved so dear
Although she's gone we'll not complain
[or although the trial is hard we'll not complain]
But trust in God to meet again 4
The blow was great the shock severe
To part with one we loved so dear
The Lord thought fit it should be so
At His command we all must go 4
The bright wreath which on thy brow should bloom
Is now entwin'd to wither on thy tomb
For ah in vain this artless verse would give
Deep in each reader's breast thy name to live 4
The call of Christ came low and sweet
And quietly she passed away
To where the Saviour waits to greet
And welcome to eternal day 4
The call was sudden the shock severe
We never thought her end was near
Only those who have lost can tell
The pain of parting without farewell 4
Still one in life and one in death
One in our hope of rest above
One in our joy our trust our faith
One in each other's faithful love 4
The cup is bitter the sting severe
To part with those we love so dear
The trial was hard we'll not complain
But trust in God to meet again 4
The cup was bitter the sting severe
To part with one we loved so dear
Our sorrow was great but we will not complain
But trust in Christ to meet again 4
The cup was bitter the sting severe
To part with one we loved so dear
Our troubles were great but we'll not complain
But trust in Christ to meet again 4
The cup was so bitter the sting so severe
To part with a wife and mother so dear
We all mourn her loss but must not complain
And trust in Christ Jesus to meet her again 4
The cup was so bitter the sting so severe
To part with a mother we loved so dear
But while on Earth she did her best
And now she's gone to Heaven for rest 4
The cup was so bitter the sting so severe
To part with those we loved so dear
We all mourn our loss but must not complain
But trust in the Lord to meet them again 4
The days will go on the sun will still set
But you my daughter we will never forget
Sweet memories of you will never die
I know that this is not goodbye 4
The dead are like the stars by day
Removed from mortal eye
Yet holding unperceived their way
Through the unclouded sky 4
The dead in Christ shall first arise
At the last trumpet's sounding
Caught up to meet Him in the skies
With joy their Lord surrounding 4
The fate of her whose body lies beneath
Prepare perhaps for sudden death
In health one moment in another gone
To realms of bliss and unspeakable happiness 4
The frowns of the World are with them at an end
Exchanged for smiles of their Saviour and friend
Escaped from the regions of trouble and woe
Affliction and sorrow no more shall they know 4
The golden gates were open
A gentle voice said come
And with farewell unspoken
She calmly entered home
The great Jehovah from above the angels bright did send
This little child to take in love to joys that never end 2
The great Jehovah full of love
An angel bright did send
To fetch their dear beloved son
To joys that never end 4
The great Jehovah full of love
An angel bright did send
To take this little spotless dove
To joys that never end 4
Their feeble wintry ruins repose
After a lengthening life of joys and woes
But these like dreams are now forever fled
May joys immortal on their head be shed 4
Their life and their troubles are past
The storms of affliction are o'er
Their struggles are ended at last
And sorrow and death are no more 4
The journey done the rest begun
The day of death now ended
To live above on wings of love
The freed one hath ascended 4
The King of love my Shepherd is
Whose goodness faileth never
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine for ever 4
[Sir H W Baker]
The least the feeblest of the sheep
To him the Father gave
Kind is his heart the charge to keep
And strong his arm to save 4
["The Great Shepherd"??]
The Lord hath claimed her for his own
And sent her calm release
We weep but it is we alone
She dwells in perfect peace 4
The loss of a father is much, the loss of a mother is more
But the loss of Christ is such as no one can restore
Faults I had and that was known. reader!
Take care and mind your own cut off like a flower 4
The mother came in tears and fain
The flower she most did love
He knew 'twould be hers back again
In the fields of light above 4
Then in a nobler sweeter song
I’ll sing thy power to save
When this poor lisping stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave 4
["There is a fountain filled with blood" by William Cowper]
Then let our thoughts be nought
Our hearts no more repine
Our sufferings are not worth a thought
Lord when compared with Thine 4
Then let us dry our mournful tears
From a loving grief refrain
In Heaven our mother now appears
And shall for ever remain 4
Then when on Earth I breathe no more
The prayer oft mix’d with tears before
I’ll sing upon a happier shore
Thy will be done 4
["My God and Father while I stray" by Charlotte Elliott 1834]
Then why should your tears run down and your hearts be sorely riven
For another gem is in your Saviour's crown and another soul in Heaven 2
The one is gone we loved so dear
To her eternal rest
She’s gone to Heaven we need not fear
To be forever blest 4
The one we loved has passed away
To her eternal rest
She’ll go to Heaven we hope and pray
To be among the blest 4
The pains of death are past labour and sorrow ceased
And as life's long warfare closes her soul is found in peace 2
The parting was hard the shock severe
We little thought her end was near
Still only those who have lost can tell
The pain and grief of the last farewell 4
There in my Father's home safe and at rest
There in my Saviour's love perfectly blessed 2
There is a better world they say. O so bright
Where sin and death are done away. O so bright
And music fills the balmy air and angles with bright wings are there
and harps of gold and mansions fair. O so bright 4
[John Lyth 1870 who based this on an earlier work]
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel's veins
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains 4
[William Cowper]
There is a home a glorious home a heavenly mansion fair
And those we love so fondly here will bid us welcome there 2
There is a link death cannot sever
Love and remembrance last forever 2
The repentant souls that turn
To the cross their dying eye
All the love of Christ shall learn
At his feet in paradise 4
There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of Heavenly rest
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast 4
[Hymn "When I can read my title clear" by Isaac Watts]
There was a hand we could not see
That beckoned her away
There was a voice we could not hear
Forbid her longer stay 4
There was the parting sigh
With that the spirit fled
And took flight on high
And left the body dead
No prayer no tears no friends could stay
It was Jesus called her soul away 6
There we shall meet again when all our toils are o’er
Where death and grief and pain and parting are no more 2
[from a Methodist hymnal]
The righteous souls that take their flight far from this world of pain
In God's paternal bosom blest for ever shall remain 2
These lines were not designed to praise the dead
But to admonish those by whom they're read
What e'er his failings were let them alone
Employ thy utmost care to mend thy own
Let him that's free from sin first cast a stone 5
The rising mornings can't assure that we shall end the day
For death stands ready at the door to take our lives away 2
The shock was great the blow severe
To part with one we loved so dear 2
The stars shine brightly on the grave
Of her we loved but could not save
On Earth her strife, in Heaven there's rest
God took her home he thought it best 4
The strife is o'er the battle gone
The triumph of the Lord is won
Let the song of praise be sung 3
The toil of life and pain of death are o'er
And care and pain and sickness are no more 2
The very best that God could send
A true good mother a faithful friend
Forget her no we never will
As years roll on we love her still 4
The victory’s won and thou art gone
From sickness sin and pain
Nor dare I moan though all alone
‘Tis thine eternal gain 4
The winter of trouble is past
The storms of affliction are o’er
Her struggle is ended at last
And sorrow and death are no more 4
The World will fade and pass away
And all its glories die
But they who make the Lord their Saviour
Shall reign with Christ on high 4
The years still pass since that sad day
When from us she was called away
‘Tis hard to part with those we love
But Jesus knows what’s best
And in our Father’s home above
Our loved ones are at rest 6
They mov'd thro' life a generous mind
And died in peace with all mankind 2
They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them 4
Thine for ever Oh how blest
They who find in thee their rest
Thine for ever Lord are we
Here and in eternity 4
["Thine forever God of Love" by Mary F Maude 1847]
This humble stone thus witnesseth
Of his a Christian's bright career
All grace in life all peace in death
He died in hope who lived in fear 4
This is no death ‘tis but a shade
Be not of outward loss afraid
This is no death it is a birth
A rising heavenward from Earth 4
This lovely bud so young and fair called hence by early doom
That came to show how sweet a bud in Paradise would bloom 2
This peaceful grave my bones shall keep
Until that glorious day
When I shall wake from my sleep
And leave this bed of clay 4
This world is vain and full of pain and mixed with trouble sore
Those are blest that are at rest with Christ for ever more 2
Those whose afflictions have been great
With patience long have therein born
In hope to rest above with Christ
In bliss for evermore [?] 4
Thou art gone but not forgotten nor ever wilt thou be
As long as life and memory last we will remember thee 2
Thou art gone our mother dear
Though very much we miss you here
But very soon by God's great love
We hope to meet in Heaven above 4
Thou art gone to the grave but we will not deplore thee
[or we no longer behold thee]
Whose God was thy ransom thy guardian and guide
He gave thee He took thee and He will restore thee
And death has no sting for the Saviour has died 4
Thou art gone to the grave we no longer behold thee
For God was thy ransom thy guardian thy guide
He gave thee He took thee and He will restore thee
And death has no sting since the Saviour has died 4
Thou art gone to thy rest sister
Death hath no sting for thee
Thy Redeemer's might hath gained
For thee the victory 4
Thou art weary, art thou languid
Art thou sore distressed
Come to me saith one and coming
Be at rest 4
[John Donne translated from Greek by J M Neale 1862]
Though absent you are ever near
Still loved and missed and ever dear 2
Though but a child I humbly own
Many sinful things I have done
Yet Jesus died upon the tree
To pardon children such as me 4
Though four dear children were my care
It pleased not God my life to spare
You must be called as well as me
Then Oh friends prepare to die 4
Though sad we mark the closing eye
Of those we loved in days gone by
Yet sweet in death their latest song
We'll meet again 'twill not be long 4
Though she’s gone she’s not forgotten how we miss her loving face
But she has left us to remember none on Earth can fill her place 2
Though thou art gone thy memory will remain,
We hope our loss is thy eternal gain 2
Though we on Earth meet no more
There is beyond a happier shore
When Christians freed from toil and pain
Shall meet and ne'er shall part again 4
Though worms my poor body may claim as their prey
I will outshine, when rising , the sun at noon day 2
["Beautiful City of the Dead"]
Through day and night we watched her
With many an aching heart
Till God did please to call her
Though hard it was to part 4
Through life’s long day and death’s dark night
O gentle Jesus be our light 2
["O Saviour, bless us ere we go" by Frederick William Faber 1849]
Though the gloom of sorrows night
Show Thy cheering guiding light
Waft us home and Lord we pray
Nearer Heaven day by day 4
Thro’ weary hours of pain and woe
When Jesus calls me I must go
Death little warning to me gave
But quickly took me to the grave
And haste to Christ make no delay
For no one knows his dying day 6
Thy dreadful anger Lord restrain and spare a wretch forlorn
Correct me not in thy fierce wrath too heavy to be born
Have mercy Lord for I grow faint unable to endure
The anguish of my aching bones which thou alone canst cure
My beauty fades my eyes with weakness close
Pain o'er takes me whilst I think on my insulting foes 6
[In Book of Common Prayer. Psalm 6 vs 1,2 and 7]
Thy sting O death has done with me
Christ my Redeemer has set me free
The blood that ran forth from His side
Revived my soul before I died 4
Thy word is true thy will is just
To Thee we leave her Lord in trust 2
Till the shadows of the evening
Shall for ever pass away
And the Resurrection morning
Kindle into perfect day 4
Time cannot dim the face we loved the voice we hear each day
The many things you did for us in your kind and loving way
Your loving smile and heart of gold
No dearer mum this World could behold 4
Time has changed in many ways
But one thing changes never
The memory of those happy days
When we were all together 4
Time may hide the sadness like a smile hides the tears
But memories still hold you close despite the passing years 2
Time swept by his o'erwhelming tide
My faithful partner from my side
And you of yours deprived may be
As unexpectedly as me
Set then your heart on things above
Death soon will end all mortal love 6
Tired Oh so tired how oft I’ve longed for rest
And now I’ve found it Saviour upon thy loving breast 2
Tired with travelling this life of sin
Hither we come to lodge in nature's [?]
To rest our weary bodies for a night
In hope to rise that Christ may give us life 4
'Tis hard to part with those we love
But parting hours must come
Lord fit our souls to meet Thee there
In thy blessed home above 4
'Tis hard to part with those we love
Though parting hours will come
Then let us hope to meet again
In our eternal home 4
'Tis Jesus the first and the last
Whose spirit shall guide us safe home
We will praise Him for all that is past
And trust Him for all that's to come 4
["This God is the God we adore" Joseph Hart 1756
'Tis religion that can give
Sweetest pleasures while we live
'Tis religion which supply
Solid comfort when we die
Be the living God our friend
Then my bliss shall never end 6
[Hymn]
Tis sweet to know that we shall meet where partings are no more
And that the one we loved so well has only gone before 2
'Tis sweet to know through Christ alone we meet to part no more
Know that and the one we loved so well has only gone before 2
To fall asleep is not to die
To dwell with Christ is better life 2
[hymn]
To go I must
To stay I'd rather
To go I must
I know not whither 4
To her who loved the light
The breaking dawn will break anew
And she does her best
Leaves naught undone that she can do 4
Too pure for Earth's imperfect heaven thy soul from sin is free
Sweet rosebud thou art fled to Heaven thy thorn is left in me 2
To us t'was given to die
To thee t'was given to live
Alas one moment sets us even
Mark how impartial is the will of Heaven 4
To you my dearest friends adieu
O think how I was {snatched?] from you
And may you then prepared be,
When God doth call, to follow me 4
Treasure her Lord in thy garden of rest
While on Earth she was one of the best 2
T'was hard to part from one so dear
To see her pass away
To watch the hour of death draw near
And know she must not stay 4
Two loving hands are resting the voice we loved is stilled
Our darling love is waiting for us just over the hill 2
Two toil worn hands at rest at last
A weary journey over ,past
The thorny pathway safely trod
Which leads through sorrow up to God
A burden laid so gladly down
Before the cross that gained the crown 6
Until we meet again before His throne
Clothed in the spotless robe He gives his own
Until we know even as we are known
Good-night 4
[Sarah Doudney?]
Up to the hills I lift mine eyes
The eternal hills beyond the skies
Thence all her help my soul derives
There my Almighty refuge lives 4
[Isaac Watts 1674-1748]
Vain are the joys of Earth and sense O Christ compared with Thee
I leave them all to those behind to dwell in Heaven with Thee 2
We all mourn her loss yet must not complain
But trust in Christ Jesus to meet her again 2
We are born to die, death would not spare
This loving wife and mother dear
Great was the loss to those she left behind
But she we trust eternal joys will find 4
We are but little children weak
Nor born in any high estate
What can we do for Jesus sake
Who is so high and good and great 4
["We are but little children weak" by Cecil F Alexander 1850]
We are deprived O Lord of one
Who was to us most dear
Teach us to say thy will be done
While we for death prepare 4
We are dying day by day
Soon from Earth we pass away
Lord of life to Thee we pray
hear us Holy Jesus 4
["Saints: To God the Father: O Magne Pater Testo]
We are home in Heaven dear ones Oh! so happy and so bright
There is perfect love and beauty in this everlasting light
All the pain and grief is over every restless tossing past
we are now at peace for ever safely home in Heaven at last 4
We are wearied with sickness and oppressed with pain
She wished on Earth no longer to remain
Her blest Redeemer heard her fervent prayer
And bade her hasten to her heavenly choir 4
Wearied with sickness and oppressed with pain
She wished on Earth no longer to remain
Her blest Redeemer heard her fervent prayer
And bade her hasten to His heavenly choir 4
We cannot bring the old days back
Her hand we cannot touch
But we have such lovely memories
Of the one we loved so much 4
We cannot Lord Thy purpose see
But all is well that's done in Thee 2
We cannot tell who next may fall
Beneath thy chastening rod
One must be first then let us all
Prepare to meet our God 4
Weep not dear children be content
For I to you was only lent
The Lord has only had his due 3
Weep not dear friends I'm gone before
My pains on earth will be no more
With you I could no longer stay
For death hath summoned me away 4
Weep not dear wife but be content
For unto you I was but lent
My time is past my race is run
Dear wife and children prepare to come
Farewell dear friends and don’t delay
For no one knows their dying day
Death to me short warning gave
And quickly took me to the grave 8
Weep not for her but pray repent
She was not ours but only lent
Dry your tears and weep no more
She is not dead but gone before 4
Weep not for me but be content
For onto you I was but lent
Weep not for me tears are in vain
We hope in Heaven to meet again 4
Weep not for me I'm free from sin
My earthly sufferings o'er
I hope to meet you all again
On that bright and happy shore 4
Weep not for me my children dear
Because I am dead and left you here
But I hope the time will not be long
Before you will join the happy throng 4
Weep not for me my children dear
I am not dead but sleeping here
My debt is paid my grave you see
Therefore prepare to follow me 4
Weep not for me my children dear
Weep not dear husband I am sleeping here
My end you know my grave you see
Prepare yourselves to follow me 4
Weep not for me my friends so dear
I am not dead but sleeping here
Resting from grief and pain
Until the Lord calls me again 4
Weep not for me my husband dear
Keep it in mind that I lie here
And have compassion in your mind
Two motherless children I leave behind 4
Weep not for me my kindred dear
I am not dead but sleeping here
My time was come my grave you see
Prepare prepare to follow me 4
Weep not for me mother dear because I died so young
The fewer years the fewer sins God’s will it must be done 2
Weep not for me my loving wife because I died while young
The fewer years the fewer sins God’s will it must be done 2
Weep not for me my parents dear
Because I died so young
Our heavenly Father thought it best
To call me to His home 4
Weep not for me my parents dear
I am not dead but sleeping here
Soon I shall rise and soar away
To realms of everlasting day 4
Weep not for me my parents dear
Though I was called away so young
The fewer years the fewer sins
God's will it must be done 4
Weep not for me my race is run
It is the Lord His will be done 2
Weep not for me, nor wish me back I now from pain am free
And in my Jesus arms I rest where I have longed to be 2
Weep not for the babe be thy sorrow suppressed
Weep not for the babe for it has gone to rest
It was a sweet little flower but too tender to stay
For the world’s chilling blast it has withered away
Bid adieu to dear parents warn them to prepare
For soon they must follow, they cannot stay 6
Weep not for us our children dear
Because we die and leave you here
But look to Christ the crucified
That you may feel His blood applied 4
Weep not my husband and children dear
Although my death was sudden here
It was God alone He thought it best
So took me to a place of rest 4
Weep not my husband and father dear
Although in weariness I lingered here
Tis God alone who thought it best
To take me to a place of rest 4
Weep not my husband nor children dear
For you I've laboured many a year
I always strove to do my best
And now I have gone to my heavenly rest 4
Weep not the land to which I go
Is beautiful and bright
There shall no tears or sorrow flow
And there shall be no night 4
We have gained that peaceful shore
To dwell with Jesus ever more 2
We have to mourn the loss of one
We did our best to save
Beloved on Earth regretted gone
Remembered in the grave 4
["Let love shine a light" ]
We laid her in the hallowed grave
With hope in Him who died to save 2
Well respected and beloved
True good natured as a dove 2
We loved her so [or yes] no tongue can tell
How much we loved her and how well
God [or Christ] loved her too and thought it best
To take her to his heavenly rest
When our hopes were brightest and her life seemed at its best
God called her from her loved ones to her eternal rest 6
We loved her well Christ loved her best
And took her home with him to rest 2
We loved her in life she is dear to us still
But in grief we must bend to God’s Holy will
Our sorrow is great our loss hard to bear
Angels will tend our dear one with care 4
We miss her O how sadly none but loving hearts can tell
Earth has lost her Heaven has found her Jesus hath done all things well 2
We miss her smile her kindly ways
With her we spent our happiest days
We miss her when we need a friend
On her we always could depend 4
We miss the hand clasp miss the loving smile
Our hearts are broken but a little while
And we shall pass within the golden gate
God comfort us God help us while we wait 4
We saw her sinking hour by hour
We could not stay deaths awful power
Peacefully sleeping resting at last
Life’s weary pains and suffering are past 4
We saw her suffering day by day
It caused us bitter grief
To see her slowly pine away
And could not give relief 4
We shall sleep but not for ever
There will be a glorious dawn
We shall meet to part no never
On the resurrection morn 4
We stood around her dying bed we saw her close her eyes her toils are past
Her work is done and she’s entered into her rest 2
We think of her in silence
And often speak her name
But all that’s left to answer
Is her picture in a frame 4
We think of you in every way
And in our hearts you will always stay 2
We used means but all in vain
Until the Lord did ease her pain
Short was her life the longer be her rest
God called her home because He thought it best 4
We've lost the one we loved so dear
And ours the loss but hers the gain
This cross of Christ she meekly bore
But now she's gone her crown to wear 4
We've no abiding life here
Sad truth were this to be our home
But let the thought our spirits cheer
We seek a City yet to come 4
[Hymn by Thomas Kelly]
We weep for our loss we rejoice at her gain
Like her we would pass from sorrow sin and pain
We long for the time when with angels above
We shall join her in praising the Saviour she loves 4
We weep with grief that one so dear
No more can share our smile or tear
But weep with joy that God has given
A hope to meet again in Heaven 4
What am I waiting for? Jesus my Lord
To take down the tent and roll up the cord
To be with Himself in the mansions above
Enjoying forever his infinite love 4
["Nothing to pay, to do, or to fear" Ernest G Haines]
What sinner’s value I [r]esign
Lord 'tis enough that thou art mine
I shall behold thy blissful face
And stand complete in righteousness
My flesh shall slumber in the ground
Till the last trumpet’s joyful sound
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise
And in my Saviour’s image rest 8
["Lord I am Thine" Isaac Watts 1719 vs 3 and 6]
What though in lonely grief we sigh
For one beloved no longer nigh
Submissive would our hearts reply
Thy will be done 4
["My God my Father while I stray" by Charlotte Elliott]
When a few more storms are o'er
We shall meet to part no more
Meet with
Jesus Christ to dwell
In a world where all farewell
When a sudden sorrow comes like clouds of night
Wait till God's tomorrow all will then be right
Only wait and trust Him just a little while
After evening tear drops shall come the mornings smile 4
When Christians in their Saviour sleep
Their crown is worn their warfare o'er
Why should we then in anguish weep
They are not lost but gone before 4
When from the dust of death I rise
To my mansion in the skies
Even then this shall be all my plea
Jesus hath lived hath died for me 4
When I am dead my dearest, sing no sad songs for me
Plant thou no laurels at my head nor dainty cypress tree
Be the green grass above me with showers and dew drops wet
And if thou wilt remember me and if thou wilt forget 4
[Song by Christina Rossetti, with some words changed]
When I draw near to weep for memory dear
I lift my heart to God and wipe away a tear 2
When I had lived out the time appointed me to have
God sent a fever unto me and brought me to my grave 2
When musing sorrow weeps the past
And mourns the present pain
How sweet to think of peace at last
And feel that death is gain 4
When sore afflictions pressed me down
I need Thy quickening powers
Thy word that I have rested on
Did help my heaviest hours 4
When the day of toil is done
When the race of life is run
Father grant Thy wearied one
Rest for evermore 4
When the last trumpet sound aloud and holy angels shine
Millions below will wish their lives had been as short as mine 2
[The inscription appears to attribute this to Ruddock Gopha]
When the ones we love
Enter in their rest above
Seem the Earth so poor and vast
All our life ? overcast
Hush be every ? dumb
It is ? come 6
When the soft dews of kindly sleep
My wearied eyelids gently steep
By my last thought how sweet to rest
Forever on my Saviour's breast 4
["Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear" John Keble 1792-1866]
When to Judgement we come
My God the Father before
O Lord grant me an eternal home
With Christ for evermore 4
When wearied with life’s ebb and flow
We for still waters sigh
And think of rest on high 3
When weary ones we love
Enter on their rest above
When their words of love and cheer
Fall no longer on our ear
Hush be every murmur dumb
It is only til He come 6
When we asunder part
It gives us inward pain
But we shall still be joined in heart
And hope to meet again 4
["Blest be the tie that binds" by John Fawcett 1782]
When we cease to think of you
Will be when God has called us too 2
When we meet our loving Saviour what a happy hour it will be
When we are gathered with our loved ones and their happy faces see 2
["Will you meet me in the morning?"]
Where friends whom death will never sever
Lift the songs of saving grace 2
[Based on a verse by Robert Wadsworth Lowry 1826 - 1899
which says "saints" rather than "friends"]
Where once the Master lowly lay
Let the tired servant rest to day
And in the Father’s house above
For ever share the Master’s love 4
["Lebwohl! die erde wartet dein" by F Sachse]
Where thou art gone
Adieus and farewell are a sound unknown
May I but meet thee on that peaceful shore
The parting word shall pass my lips no more 4
While I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyes shall close in death
When I soar to worlds unknown
See Thee on thy judgement throne
Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee 6
["Rock of ages cleft for me" by August Montague Toplady 1740-1778]
While in this world I did remain
My latter days were full of pain
But when the Lord did think it best
He took me to his place of rest 4
While in this world I did remain
My latter end was grief and pain
And when the Lord did think it best
He took me to a place of rest 4
While on Earth she was sore afflicted well her pains she patiently bore
Waiting till her Saviour called her to dwell with him forevermore 2
While on Earth with head [in glory?]
Dying mortals call me old yet my life was like a story
Short and evil quickly told
After death life ceaseth never
Heaven & Hell endue for ever 5
While she appeared in good spirits her thoughts were not known
She has left her dear friends to mourn for her soul 2
While unconscious that change would shorten my day
The pathway of pleasure I trod
In a moment my spirit was summoned away
And I stood in the presence of God 4
[Found in "The Churchyard Lyrist" a compilation of 500 epitaphs. Author not
known]
While we O Lord are bereft, of one who was most dear
Teach us to say thy will be done whilst we for Heaven prepare 2
Who suffer with the Lord below
Shall reign with thee above
Then let it be our joy to know
This way of peace and love 4
Why didst thou death thine iron hand extend
To crop the rose in all its early bloom
And all you that stop to read this stone
Consider how soon I was gone
Death do sometimes short warning give
Therefore be careful how you live 6
Why did I crave on Earth to live
Since all my cares were vain
I had rather be with Christ above
With Him for to remain 4
Why did we crave to live on Earth
While here we lived in pain
We had rather choose to go to Christ
And there with Him remain 4
Why do we mourn departed friends
Or shake at death's alarm
'tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to His arms 4
Why mourn our dead with hopeless tears
She rests upon a happier shore
Free from all pain and care and tears
She is not lost but gone before 4
Why not spread thy wings and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy 2
Why should I have on Earth to live
Whilst here I live in pain
It is better far to be with Christ
And there with Him remain 4
Why should I stay 'tis not too soon to seek for Heaven or think of death
A flower may fade before its time and I this day may lose my breath 2
Why should our tears in sorrow flow
When God recalls his own
And bids them leave this world of woe
For an immortal crown 4
Why should we be loathe to die [she] liv’d so long in pain
I had rather choose to be with Christ and there with Him remain 2
Why should we weep for those who die
Those blessed ones who weep no more
Jesus hath called her to the sky
And gladly has she gone before 4
["Why should we weep for those who die"]
Why should we weep now she is free from sickness and from pain
Rather rejoice because our loss is her eternal gain 2
Why should we wish her back again Oh freed from sin and care
Let us then rather pray God's love ere long to join her there 2
Why tongue the glory in my frame
Shall n'er be silent of Thy name
Thy praise shall sound thro' Earth and Heaven
For sickness heal'd and sins forgiven 4
Why weep for a sister deceased? Our loss is her infinite gain
A soul out of prison released and freed from its bodily chains
With songs let us follow her flight and mount with her spirit above
Escaped to the mansions of light and lodged in the Eden of love 4
Wife and children this grave containeth her
Just in her actions and her thoughts sincere
Great was my loss for her eternal gain
But hope in Christ that we shall meet again 4
With all thy soul love God above
And as thyself thy neighbour love 2
[Said to be the sum of all ten Commandments]
With deep distress I long was tried
To God for mercy oft I cried
He heard my prayer and showed his love
And took me to his realm above 4
With grief and pain oppressed
Which wore my strength away
And made me long for Heaven's rest
Which never shall decay 4
With guilded heart and spirit gay
The flowery path of life she trod
And ere she reached the thorny way
Sweet mercy raised her up to God 4
Within this bed of dust I lay
No more to see the light of day
To my long home I now am gone
And all my work on Earth is done
To God my spirit I commend
And bid farewell to every friend
And happy will their portion be
Who are prepared to follow me 8
With loved ones far away
In Jesus keeping we are safe and they 2
["Peace perfect peace" by Edward H Hickersteth jnr 1875]
With noiseless tread death comes on man
No plea no prayer delivers him
From midst of busy life’s unfinished plan
With sudden hand it severs him
And ready or not ready, no delay
For to her Judge’s bar she must away 6
Without a pang, with scarce a sigh
Her last faint breath was given
Angles bore her from our side
And placed her safe in Heaven 4
With patience she suffered her troubles were sore
But now it is ended she suffers no more
She sleeps we will leave her in silence to rest
The parting was painful but God knoweth best 4
With patience to the last she did submit
And murmured not at what God thought fit
With a Christian courage did resign
Her soul to him at the appropriate time 4
With restless days and sleepless nights his weary frame was long oppressed
‘Til God the silver cord did break and gave the heavy laden rest 2
With steady purpose and with pious skill
To trace life's duties and its claims fulfil
Her guiltless heart might every foe defy
And boast unbroken each enduring tie 4
With wailing, grief and pain I spent my prime
Through the sure channels of expired time
Arriv'd at last through life's tempestuous sea
In the calm ocean of eternity 4
Worn by disease which baffled human skill
content to suffer the Almighty's will
She fell a victim to its lingering power
And calmly waited God's appointed hour 4
Yes there is room for the children and white robes for each to wear
Room in the heavenly City be it ours to lead them there 2
[William B Elliot]
Yet mourn not as of hope bereft by doom
Nor water with your tears my early tomb
Redeemed by God from sin, released from pain
My life was punishment my death is gain 4
Yes we part but not for ever
joyful hopes our bosoms swell
We shall meet beyond the river
Never more to say farewell 4
You always said we would miss you
Your words have proved quite true
We lost our best and dearest pal
Dear mum when we lost you 4
You left a beautiful memory and sorrow too great to be told
But to those who lost and loved you, your memory will never grow old 2
You need his presence in your household places
You need his aid where'er your lot is cast
And when the shade of death is on your faces
You need his love to bring you home at last 4
Young reader do old age I see
My days may be but few
Thou in thy youth may summoned be
To bid the world adieu 4
Your life at best is but a Summer day
We're hardly born when swept away 2
Your weary hours and days of pain and sleepless nights are past
Your ever patient worn out frame have found sweet rest at last
Sleep on dear son and take thy rest 3
You’ve watched for me beside my bed, now I will watch for you
And when you reach the golden gate I’ll come and lead you through 2