eHymns.org

E. L. Gellert

Unknown

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 1999

Alternate Zion's Harp Numbers: 99, 104, 119, 120
Meter: 7.8.7.8.7.7.

My lifetime doth pass away;
Hourly to the grave I hasten,
And I know each fleeting day
My allotted span will lessen.
Think, man, death comes soon or late.
Tarry not, it will not wait!

Live thou as thy wish will be
To have lived when thou expirest.
Treasures which have come to thee,
Fame and wealth which thou desirest,
Will not make thy death more sweet,
For they are not thine to keep.

But a pure and loving heart,
Conscience free from condemnation
Can repose and peace impart,
And in death give consolation.
All who are renewed in heart
Can with joyfulness depart.

And when in thy last distress,
Helpless friends around thee gather,
Then this heart of righteousness
Yields thee comfort from the Father.
Judgment brings no fear nor fright,
For the Lord is thy delight.

Wouldst thou such a heart attain?
Fear the Lord, His good word keeping!
For the time thou shalt remain
Here on earth is in God's keeping.
Thus thy death thou wilt not fear,
But in welcome hold it dear.

Learn by faith to overcome,
Saying, "My Redeemer liveth.
With these eyes I'll see Him come
When eternal life He giveth."
"It is finished," He did call,
Triumphed over death and all.

Draw in spirit near the grave;
Watch thy body slowly sinking.
Pray: "O Lord, that I am clay,
Let my thoughts be daily thinking.
Teach me, Father, ev'ry day;
Make me true and wise, I pray."