When downward to the darksome tomb
1
When downward to the darksome tombI thoughtful turn my eyes,Frail nature trembles at the gloom,And anxious fears arise.
2
Why shrinks my soul? In death's embraceOnce Jesus captive slept;And angels, hovering o'er the place,His lowly pillow kept.
3
Thus shall they guard my sleeping dust,And as the Saviour rose,The grave again shall yield her trust,And end my deep repose.
4
My Lord, before to glory gone,Shall bid me come away,And calm and bright shall break the dawnOf heaven's eternal day.
5
Then let my faith each fear dispel,And gild with light the grave;To him my loftiest praises swell,Who died from death to save.