Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 87

1 A glance from heaven, with sweet effect, Sometimes my pensive spirit cheers: But ere I can my thoughts collect, As suddenly it disappears.

2 So lightning in the gloom of night Affords a momentary day; Disclosing objects full in sight, Which, soon as seen, are s.n.a.t.c.hed away.

3 The lightning's flash did not create The opening prospect it revealed; But only showed the real state Of what the darkness had concealed.

4 Just so, we by a glimpse discern The glorious things within the veil; That, when in darkness, we may learn To live by faith, till light prevail.

527. C. M. J. Newton.

The Changes of Life.

1 The evils that beset our path, Who can prevent or cure?

We stand upon the brink of death When most we seem secure.

2 If we to-day sweet peace possess, It soon may be withdrawn; Some change may plunge us in distress Before to-morrow's dawn.

3 Disease and pain invade our health, And find an easy prey; And oft, when least expected, wealth Takes wings and flies away.

4 The gourds from which we look for fruit.

Produce us often pain; A worm unseen attacks the root, And all our hopes are vain.

5 Since sin has filled the earth with woe, And creatures fade and die; Lord, wean our hearts from things below, And fix our hopes on high!

528. S. M. Doddridge.

"The Fathers, where are they?"

1 How swift the torrent rolls, That bears us to the sea!

The tide that bears our thoughtless souls To vast eternity!

2 Our fathers, where are they, With all they called their own?

Their joys, and griefs, and hopes and cares, And wealth and honor gone.

3 G.o.d of our fathers, hear, Thou everlasting Friend!

While we, as on life's utmost verge, Our souls to thee commend.

4 Of all the pious dead May we the footsteps trace, Till with them, in the land of light, We dwell before thy face.

529. L. M. J. Roscoe.

The Close of Life.

1 My Father! when around me spread I see the shadows of the tomb, And life's bright visions droop and fade, And darkness veils my future doom;

2 O, in that anguished hour I turn With a still trusting heart to thee, And holy thoughts still shine and burn Amid that cold, sad destiny.

3 The stars of heaven are shining on, Though these frail eyes are dim with tears; The hopes of earth indeed are gone; But are not ours the immortal years?

4 Father! forgive the heart that clings Thus trembling to the joys of time; And bid my soul on angel wings Ascend into a purer clime.

530. L. M. Doddridge.

To G.o.d pertain the issues of Life and Death.

1 Sovereign of life! before thine eye, Lo! mortal men by thousands die: One glance from thee at once brings down The proudest brow that wears a crown.

2 Banished at once from human sight To the dark grave's mysterious night, Imprisoned in that dusty bed, We hide our solitary head.

3 Yet if my Father's faithful hand Conduct me through this gloomy land, My soul with pleasure shall obey, And follow where he leads the way.

4 The friendly band again shall meet, Again exchange the welcome sweet; The dear familiar features trace, And still renew the fond embrace.

531. C. M. Heber.

Universal Warning of Death.

1 Beneath our feet and o'er our head Is equal warning given: Beneath us lie the countless dead, Above us is the heaven!

2 Their names are graven on the stone, Their bones are in the clay; And ere another day is done, Ourselves may be as they.

3 Our eyes have seen the rosy light Of youth's soft cheek decay, And fate descend in sudden night On manhood's middle day.

4 Our eyes have seen the steps of age Halt feebly towards the tomb; And yet shall earth our hearts engage, And dreams of days to come?

5 Death rides on every pa.s.sing breeze, He lurks in every flower; Each season has its own disease, Its peril every hour.