Man frail, and God eternal. Ps. 90. 1 BEFORE the hills in order stood, 2 A thousand ages, in thy sight, 3 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, 4 Like flowery fields the nations stand, 5 Our God, our help in ages past, Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. Our Bodies frail, and God our Preserver. 1 LET others boast how strong they be, Nor death nor danger fear; But we'll confess, O Lord, to thee, 2 Fresh as the grass our bodies stand, A blasting wind sweeps o'er the land, 3 Our life contains a thousand springs, Strange! that a harp of thousand strings 4 But 't is our God supports our frame, 5 While we have breath, or use our tongues, His spirit moves our heaving lungs, 11s. M. 646. EPISCOPAL COL I would not live alway. 1 I WOULD not live alway: I ask not to stay Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way: I would not live alway: no,- welcome the tomb; Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom. 2 Who, who would live alway, away from his God, Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode ! Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, And the noontide of glory eternally reigns; 3 Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet; While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, And the smile of the Lord is the life of the soul. C. M. 647. The Christian's Death. PEABODY. 1 BEHOLD the beauteous western light; 2 The winds breathe low, the withering leaf 3 How beautiful on all the hills 'T is like the peace the Christian gives To mourners round his bed. 4 How mildly on the wandering cloud The sunset beam is cast! "T is like the memory, left behind, When loved ones breathe their last. 5 And now, above the dews of night, So faith springs in the heart of those 6 But soon the morning's happier light And eyelids that are sealed in death 1 WHY should we start, and fear to die? 2 The pains, the groans, and dying strife, 3 O, if my Lord would come and meet, 4 Jesus can make a dying bed God the Author of Mercies and Afflictions. 1 NAKED, as from the earth we came, We to the earth return again, 2 The dear delights we here enjoy, Are but short favors borrowed now, 3 'T is God who lifts our comforts high, 4 Peace, all our angry passions, then; 5 If smiling mercy crown our lives, 12 & 11s. M. 650. HEBER. Farewell to a Friend departed. 1 THOU art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee, Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb; The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee, And the lamp of his love is thy guide through the gloom. 2 Thou art gone to the grave; we no longer behold thee, Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy side; But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee, And sinners may hope, since the Saviour hath died. |