Author: John Newton Hymnal: The Cyber Hymnal #10789 Meter: 8.6.8.6 D Lyrics: 1 In vain my fancy strives to paint
The moment after death;
The glories that surround the saints,
When yielding up their breath.
2 One gentle sigh their fetters breaks,
We scarce can say, They’re gone!
Before the willing spirit takes
Her mansion near the throne.
3 Faith strives, but all its efforts fail,
To trace her in her flight;
No eye can pierce within the veil
Which hides that world of light.
4 Thus much (and this is all) we know,
They are completely blest;
Have done with sin, and care, and woe,
And with their Savior rest.
5 On harps of gold they praise His name,
His face they always view;
Then let us followers be of them,
That we may praise Him too.
6 Their faith and patience, love and zeal,
Should make their memory dear;
And, Lord, do Thou the prayers fulfill,
They offered for us here.
7 While they have gained, we losers are,
We miss them day by day;
But Thou canst every breach repair,
And wipe our tears away.
8 We pray, as in Elisha’s case,
When great Elijah went,
May double portions of Thy grace,
To us who stay, be sent. Languages: English Tune Title: ANCYRA
In Vain My Fancy Strives To Paint