Where are the dead?

Verse 1

Where are the dead? In heaven or hell, Their disembodied spirits dwell; Their buried forms in bonds of clay, Reserved until the judgment day.

Verse 2

Who were the dead? The sons of time In every age, and state, and clime; Renown'd, dishonour'd, or forgot, The place that knew them, knows them not.

Verse 3

Where are the living? on the ground, Where prayer is heard, and mercy found; Where, in the period of a span, The mortal makes the immortal man.

Verse 4

Who are the living? They whose breath Draws every moment nigh to death; Of bliss or woe the eternal heirs; O what an awful choice is theirs!

Verse 5

Then timely warn'd, may we begin To follow Christ, and flee from sin; Daily grow up in Him our Head, Lord of the living and the dead.