Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
There is a Land Immortal
By Thomas MacKellar (18121899)T
The beautiful of lands;
Beside its ancient portal
A sentry grimly stands.
He only can undo it,
And open wide the door;
And mortals who pass through it
Are mortal nevermore.
And Death the sentry grim:
The Lord thereof has given
The opening keys to him;
And ransomed spirits, sighing
And sorrowful for sin,
Pass through the gate in dying,
And freely enter in.
That leadeth to the gate,
Yet grace attends the message
To souls that watch and wait;
And at the time appointed
A messenger comes down,
And guides the Lord’s anointed
From cross to glory’s crown.
They’re blessèd in their tears;
Their journey heavenward winging,
They leave on earth their fears.
Death like an angel seeming,
“We welcome thee!” they cry:
Their eyes with glory gleaming,
’Tis life for them to die.
Hymns and Metrical Psalms. 1883.