We Cannot Think Of Them As Dead

we cannot think of them as dead
who walk with us no more;
along the path of life we tread—
they have but gone before.

the father’s house is mansioned fair
beyond our vision dim;
all souls are his, and here or there
are living unto him.

but still their silent ministries
within our hearts have place,
as when on earth they walked with us
and met us face to face.

ours are they by an ownership
nor time nor death can free;
for god hath given love to keep
its own eternally.