The Christian’s Joy in Death

In light of our passage from 2 Corinthians 5:1–5 this week, enjoy this sonnet by John Milton:

When faith and love, which parted from thee never,

            Had ripened thy just soul to dwell with God,

Meekly thou didst resign this earthly load,

            Of death, called life, which us from life doth sever.

Thy works, and alms, and all thy good endeavor,

            Strayed not behind, not in the grave were trod;

But, as Faith pointed with her golden rod,

            Followed thee up to joy and bliss forever.

Love led them on; and Faith, who knew them best,

            Thy handmaids, clad them o’er with purple beams,

And azure wings, that up they flew so drest,

            And speak the truth of thee on glorious themes

Before the Judge; who thenceforth bid thee rest,

            And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams.