p. 16 | NOT FOR THE DEAD

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Apr 19, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 16.

NOT FOR THE DEAD.

DEATH is an enemy, called by the Scriptures "the last enemy." The grave, where the dead loved ones lie, is called by the Scriptures "the land of the enemy."

But to the Christian, there need be no fear. It is not a "bourne whence no traveler ever returned." It is not a tent whose "door never outward swings." Such it is to the hopeless. Such it is, so far as any power of man, or of the whole world, is concerned. But to the Christian it is no longer an unexplored land. Jesus Christ, the Conquering King, has passed through it; and, more, He brought from its dark depths a "multitude of captives" (Eph. 4:8) as a pledge that He will bring all the captives of the enemy home. He has made of death a sleep. Therefore, in the beautiful poem of Canon Bell—

Not for the dead, O Lord, we weep, Untroubled is their rest, and deep; For them why should we mourn or sigh? 'Neath quiet graves in peace they lie. "Thou givest Thy beloved sleep."

For tempted souls, for wandering sheep, For those whose path is rough and steep, For these we lift our voice on high, Not for the dead.

For all who 'neath sore burdens creep, Who sow the wind, the whirlwind reap, Who lonely watch the days go by— For hearts that bleed while eyes are dry, For such, O Lord, our tears we keep; Not for the dead.