THEY ARE ALL GONE (FROM PRAYERS AND REMEMBRANCES)
TEXT

They are all gone, into the world of light!

And I alone sit lingering here;

Their very memory is fair and bright,

And my sad thoughts doth clear.

It glows and glitters in my cloudy breast,

Like stars upon some gloomy grove.

I see them walking in an air of glory,

Whose light doth trample on my days.

O holy Hope, and high Humility!

High as the heavens above!

And yet, as angels in some brighter dreams

Call to the soul when man doth sleep,

So some strange thoughts transcend our wanted themes,

And into glory peep.

O Father of eternal life, and all

Created glories under Thee!

Resume Thy spirit from this world of thrall

Into true liberty.

                    Henry Vaughan (1621-1695)