When death appears before my sight

Verse 1

When death appears before my sight In all his dire array, Unequal to the dreadful sight, My courage dies away.

Verse 2

But see my glorious Leader nigh! My Lord, my Savior lives: Before him death's pale terrors fly, And my faint heart revives.

Verse 3

He left his dazzling throne above, He met the tyrant's dart, And (O amazing power of love!) Received it in his heart.

Verse 4

No more, O grim destroyer, boast Thy universal sway; To heaven-born souls thy sting is lost, Thy night is turned to day.

Verse 5

Lord, I commit my soul to thee, Accept the sacred trust, Receive this nobler part of me, And watch my sleeping dust:

Verse 6

'Till that illustrious morning come, When all thy saints shall rise, And, clothed in full immortal bloom, Attend thee to the skies.