Departed Spirit, Whither Flown

 

Departed Spirit, Whither Flown 

      Written in honor of Marshall Shell at his departure from this life.

 

Departed spirit, whither flown 

     from this dread world so vain 

Be thou before the Savior's Throne 

     for thy eternal gain.

Ah yes, departed spirit free 

     from toil and war below. 

Those things which thou didst long to see               

now clearly thou dost know. 

In Christ thy faith was found while here 

     with earth a discontent, 

Of God there was a holy fear, 

     and now the veil is rent. 

Soar out, departed spirit free 

     express thy inner joy. 

Soar high, thou'rt now at liberty 

     where flesh can ne'er annoy. 

Through worlds not ending take thy rest 

     thy warfare now is done. 

For thee no more the fiery test 

     thy race at last is run.

                 --By Given O. Blakely,