The Cyber Hymnal ‎#7406

7406. The White Coffin

1. The hearse was driven to our door,
It brought a coffin, white as snow;
Such coffins we had seen before,
But never one, concerned us so.
They took the cover from the casque,
And placed a snow white form inside;
We looked once more—it was the last—
On him who once had been our pride.

2. Our precious child! O is it true
That we shall see his face no more?
His life was like the morning dew—
’Tis gone; our hearts are bleeding sore!
A voice then whispered from above;
I gave, I also took away.
It was our Father’s voice of love!
Our consolation, hope and stay.

3. Our babe has only gone before,
He’s safe at home on Jesus’ breast,
Released from sorrow evermore,
And soon with him we’ll sweetly rest;
We by the empty cradle knelt,
Poured out our chastened souls in prayer.
A stronger tie to Heav’n we felt,
Because we knew our babe was there.

Text Information

• First Line: The hearse was driven to our door
• Title: The White Coffin
• Author: Anderson E. Baten, 1855-1924
• Language: English
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: It is believed Baten wrote this song upon the death of his infant son.

Tune Information

• Name: [The hearse was driven to our door]
• Composer: Horace Neely Lincoln
• Incipit: 53121 61534 32122
• Key: G Major
• Copyright: Public Domain