Book of Worship (Rev. ed.) ‎#471

471. I would not live alway: I ask not to stay

1 I would not live alway: I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way;
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.

2 I would not live alway, thus fetter'd by sin,
Temptation without and corruption within:
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,
And the cup of salvation with penitent tears.

3 I would not live alway; no--welcome the tomb:
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom:
There sweet be my rest, till He bid me arise
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.

4 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?

5 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 feast of the soul.

Text Information

• First Line: I would not live alway: I ask not to stay
• Meter: 11s.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1870
• Topic: Christians: their life and experience; Death: anticipation of
• Notes: Author from index: Muhlenberg

Tune Information

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