The Sleep of Death by S. Bouton

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1858

The Sleep of Death

By S. Bouton

From the Sabbath Recorder. # THE SLEEP OF DEATH.

“TILL the heavens be no more they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.”—JOB.

THEY slumber on; over their dreamless bed, Through countless years, the sun has risen and set; Ages have passed since love's last tear was shed Upon their mossy tombs; they slumber yet: Till the exploding heavens shall pass away; Till the bright sun his azure path forsake; Till God shall wrap the dim, expiring day In pall of darkness, they shall not awake.

Unnumbered millions have been laid to sleep, With loved ones, o'er whose graves they often wept; Their children born a little while to weep, Now slumber where the parents long have slept: While o'er a dark and desolated world, The troubled waves of sin and sorrow break; While Death with his terrific flag unfurled, Marches in triumph—they shall not awake.

But in the hastening future. Faith descries A glimmering dawn advancing on the night: Ere long the “Son of Righteousness” shall rise; And all his glories burst upon the sight And when the archangel's voice—the trump of God, With awful peal, the universe shall shake, That powerful voice shall pierce the dark abode Of slumbering millions; and they shall awake.