No No It Is Not Dying

no, no, it is not dying
to go unto our god;
this gloomy earth forsaking,
our journey homeward taking
along the starry road.

no, no, it is not dying
heaven’s citizen to be;
a crown immortal wearing,
and rest unbroken sharing,
from care and conflict free.

no, no it is not dying
to hear this gracious word,
“receive a father’s blessing,
forevermore possessing
the favor of thy lord.”

no, no it is not dying
the shepherd’s voice to know:
his sheep he ever leadeth,
his peaceful flock he feedeth,
where living pastures grow.

no, no it is not dying
to wear a lordly crown;
among god’s people dwelling,
the glorious triumph swelling
of him whose sway we own.