Death and the grave are doleful themes,

Death and the grave are doleful themes,
For sinful mortal worms to sing;
Except a Saviour's brighter beams
Dispel the gloom, and touch the string.

Death! awful sound! the fruit of sin,
And terror of the human race;
Who, except Jesus smiles within,
Can look the monster in the face?

Yet, dearest Lord, when viewed in thee,
The monster loses all his dread;
There all his frightful horrors flee,
And joy surrounds a dying bed.

Jesus, the mighty Saviour, lives,
And he has conquered death and hell:
This truth substantial comfort gives,
And dying saints can sing, "'Tis well."