Christian Worship Not Lost, But Gone Before.

Say, why should friendship grieve for those
Who safe arrive on Canaan’s shore?
Released from all their hurtful foes,
They are not lost-but gone before.

How many painful days on earth
Their fainting spirits numbered o’er!
Now they enjoy a heavenly birth;
They are not lost-but gone before.

Dear is the spot where Christians sleep,
And sweet the strain which angels pour;
O why should we in anguish weep?
They are not lost-but gone before.