p. 7 | Shall Not Surely Die by Margaret Wright

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 4, 1913

“Shall Not Surely Die”

By Margaret Wright

By Margaret Wright

“A never-dying soul to save,” how oft we hear them sing These words which show to what deceit and errors gross they cling. But countless millions take as truth the words of men so weak, When they from God in heaven above should all their wisdom seek. They care not “It is written,” a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Their eyes are blinded to the truths recorded in His Word. But eagerly they sanction and believe the same old lie The devil told in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

God says we die—we’re mortal—we shall return to dust, And this should be sufficient for those who in Him trust. He says the soul that sinneth will surely die, but no— They cast aside His teachings, they will not have it so. God’s Word, they say, is altered—translations have been wrong, But many men of wisdom have studied deep and long; So learned men are preaching the same old wicked lie The devil told in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

God says eternal life’s a gift, a gift from His dear Son. He tells us of the many and wondrous things He’s done That we might have this gift of life if only we believe And all the teachings of His Word we joyfully receive. And “he that hath the Son hath life”—that’s what the Word has said, And this we will believe if by His Spirit we are led. But O, ’tis hard to turn them from the same delusive lie The devil told in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

But wherefore all this schism? they ask us; if we live The best we can—are kindly and gentle, and we give To help the poor and needy, the Master asks no more. And He will wait to welcome us then at heaven’s door. Ah, poor, deluded mortals! How little do they know The awful time that’s coming upon this earth below, When nearly all are ruined by that most awful lie The devil told in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

How easily it smooths the way for errors, seeming bright— For Spiritism, that which leads into the darkest night. For those who fully think they talk with loved of days of yore, Commune with devils, which will fain deceive them more and more. We’re told that he in these last days—the father of all ill— Like to an angel fair will change, but will be Satan still, And will deceive all those who hold that same delusive lie He told way back in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

O brother, O my sister, he comes with power and might, Performing many miracles, all wondrous in our sight. E’en the elect will be deceived unless they surely take God’s Word to guide their footsteps, that no mistake they make, And listen to none other. ’Twill lead them far away Into deceit and error, from right and truth away. ’Twill lead them with the millions who still believe the lie The devil told in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die.”

Cœur D’Alene, Idaho.