To live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
Words: H. A. César Malan, 1832 (Non, ce n’est pas mourir que d’aller vers son Dieu). Translated from French to English by Robinson P. Dunn, 1852.
Music: Wakefield William W. Gilchrist, 1895 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Dunn (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
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.