Why should I fear to die? 

In that sweet home above 
Are gathering all my family, 
And all the friends I love; 
Heavenward I look, and breathe the prayer. 
Soon, soon their happiness to share. 

Surely 'tis time to die ! 

My " threescore years and ten " 
Are overpast, and oft I cry, 

" How long, my Lord? Oh! when 
Wilt Thou my ransomed spirit free. 
And bid Thy child come home to Thee?" 

Then, Saviour, let me die ! 

My sweetest moments here 
Are those when, deigning to draw nigh. 
Thou whisperest, " I am near." 
And e'en from these bright glimpses given 
I feel Thy presence must be heaven. 

Oh ! when I come to die. 

These glories let me see. 
Ne'er grasped by human thought or eye, 
Reserved in heaven by Thee ; 
And show me, 'mid the parting strife. 
That death is better far than life !