Is There No Death? by George E. Tack

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Nov 1, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 43.

Is There No Death?

By George E. Tack

Is THERE no death, then why should tears Stream down the cheeks when those we love Pass from our lives, and, free from fears, Rest in some hallowed grove?

And if the soul immortal is, And loosed from clay dwells ever free 'Mid scenes of endless joy and bliss, Round life's strange, fruitful tree,

Why should we grieve and vainly sigh For those whose eyes behold the light Without a dimming veil, and by The great white throne, delight

Their raptured souls with visions bright Of Christ, and the Ancient of Days, And seraphim, with robes of light, And throngs that ceaseless praise?

Is there no death, then why did One Who dwelt in realms of matchless joy, And shone the universal Sun, Where pleasures never cloy,

Leave all His glory, and descend To this vast tomb, where all mankind, Because of sin, to fear condemned, Groped on in darkness blind?

The King of Glory left His throne To break Death's cruel reign of power, And from each tomb to roll the stone In resurrection's hour.

The senseless rocks disorganize At God's command, and cease to be. Before Death's chilling breath, low lies The tow'ring monarch tree.

The glittering stars that deathless swing To love's sweet voice, with love imbued, Know not the curse that swift must bring Death's awesome interlude.

These little lives of mortal breath As vapors pass, and, lo, we sleep 'Neath banners white in camps of Death, Like stricken, helpless sheep.

Yet soon the Archangel's voice of love Shall shatter all the grave's vast bound, And angels bear God's own above, While triumph songs resound;

And Death, the strong usurper, flee Before the King of love and life, Whose power sets the captives free And ends the reign of strife.

Baltimore, Maryland.