The Book of Praise ‎#790

790. Where is death's sting

1 Where is death's sting? We were not born to die,
nor only for the life beyond the grave;
all that is beautiful in earth and sky,
all skill, all knowledge, all the powers we have,
are of your giving, and in them we view
no dust and ashes, but a part of you.

2 Laughter is yours, the laughter free from scorn,
and yours the smile upon a cheerful face:
yours, too, the tears, when love for love must mourn,
and death brings silence for a little space.
You give to us and do not take away:
the parting is but here, and for a day.

3 Fullness of life, in body, mind and soul;
"Who saves their life shall lose it," you have said:
a great adventure with a glorious goal;
nothing that lives in you is ever dead:
brave living here, and then, beyond the grave,
more life and more adventure for the brave.

Text Information

• First Line: Where is death's sting? We were not born to die
• Title: Where is death's sting
• Author: Godfrey Fox Bradby, 1863-c. 1929
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1997
• Scripture:
  Matthew 10:39
  ;
  Matthew 16:25
  ;
  Mark 8:35
  ;
  Luke 9:24
  ;
  Luke 17:33
  ;
  John 10:10
  ;
  John 12:25
  ;
  John 14:18-20
  ;
  1 Corinthians 15:55
• Topic: Death; Funeral; Laughter / Mirth; Our Hope in God; Promise; Tears / Weeping
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: SONG 1
• Composer: Orlando Gibbons, 1583-1625
• Meter: 10 10 10 10 10 10
• Key: F Major or modal
• Copyright: Public Domain