Torch, Winter 1981

14 The Times and the Seasons Pat Landers Dixon I n times of death, one can hardly find enough inner, human resources with which to offer comfort with words. The phrases are usually trite and lacking in exactness . Only with the message from the Living Word does one seem confident that the heartfelt utterings con– vey a strong, lasting truth to the bereaved. Poetry has its place and usefulness in giving comfort. May these two selected poems be additional resources which you can use . SHE IS NOT DEAD --anon. "She is not dead, but sleepeth," The Master of men once said. Such words stirred the people, For they all believed her dead. 0 Master of men and of ages! Is death nought but a sleep? Such a thought is priceless, Buried in the heart so deep. ITINERARIES 0 glorious hope of the future, Our dead are merely asleep! We'll not spend days in sorrow, Why should a Christian weep? Sleep is followed by awaking; Dawns a new day for the soul. God, Heaven, and a new service, While aeons of eternity roll. Move on, 0 soul so victorious! Thy spiritual heritage keep! Hear these words of the Master: "She is not dead, but asleep." TO SLEEP Elizabeth Barrett Browning Of all the thoughts of God that are Borne inward unto souls afar, Along the Psalmist's music deep, Now tell me if that any is , For gift or grace , surpassing this-– "He giveth His beloved, sleep"? "Sleep soft, beloved! " we sometimes say , But have no tune to charm away Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep: But never doleful dream again Shall break the happy slumber, when "He giveth His beloved, sleep ." 0 earth so full of dreary noises! 0 men, with wailing in your voices! 0 delved gold, the wailers heap! 0 strife, 0 curse, that o 'er it fall! God makes a silence through you all , And "giveth His beloved, sleep ." And friends, dear friends, when it shall be That this low breath is gone from me , And round my bier ye come to weep , Let one, most loving of you all , Say , "Not a tear must o ' er her fall! He giveth His beloved , sleep ." PAUL DIXON, PRESIDENT JAMES T. JEREMIAH, CHANCELLOR January 4 First Baptist Church, Milford OH; 18 Sara Bay Baptist Church, Bradenton, FL; 23 Immanuel Baptist Church (Stew– ardship Banquet), Ft. Wayne, IN; 24-25 First Baptist Church, Find– lay, OH; February 7 Snow Flake Rally, Echo Valley, MI; 8, a. m. Berean Baptist Church, Grand Rapids, MI; 14- 15, a. m. Reimer Road Baptist Church, Wadsworth , OH; 28- 1\llarch 1 , a_ m. Calvary Baptist Church, Muskegon , MI; 7 -8 Fellowship Baptist Church, Racine, WI; 29 Chapel of Univer– sity Park, Akron, OH; April 5, a. m . Lake Hills Baptist Church, Schererville, IN; 17-19, a_ m. Shawnee Baptist Church, Vincentown , NJ; 20- 21 Iowa State meetings, First Baptist Church, Monroe, IA; 24- 25 Men's Retreat, Scioto Hills Baptist Camp. January 16- 1 8 Evangel Baptist Church , Hagerstown, MD 1\llarch 1 - 4 Calvary Baptist Church, Altoona, PA 1\llarch. 16- 27 Holy Land Tour. January - 1\llarch Chancellor Jeremiah will be teaching at Cedarville College.