Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes ‎#552

552. While with ceaseless course the sun

1 While with ceaseless course the sun
Hasted through the former year,
Many souls their race have run,
Never more to meet us here:
Fixed in an eternal state,
They have done with all below,
We a little longer wait,
But how little none can know.

2 As the wingèd arrow flies
Speedily the mark to find;
As the lightning from the skies
Darts and leaves no trace behind;
Swiftly thus our fleeting days
Bear us down life's rapid stream;
Upward, Lord, our spirits raise;
All below is but a dream.

3 Thanks for mercies past receive,
Pardon of our sins renew;
Teach us henceforth how to live
With eternity in view:
Bless Thy word to young and old;
Fill us with a Saviour's love;
And when life's short tale is told,
May we dwell with Thee above.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: While with ceaseless course the sun
• Author: John Newton (1774)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899
• Topic: New Year
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: BENEVENTO
• Composer: Samuel Webbe
• Meter: 7s D.
• Notes: Public Domain.