Swiftly Fading

Like the bud that quickly blossoms

Author: J. B. Atchinson
Tune: [Like the bud that quickly blossoms]
Published in 2 hymnals

Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Like the bud that quickly blossoms,
Like the blossom soon decayed,—
Like the grass that quickly withers,
Like the leaf we rapid fade:
Like a swift ship on the ocean,
Like a swift departing day,—
Like a sleep that is but transient,—
So we quickly pass away.

Refrain:
Like the stars that fade in sunlight,
Like a raindrop in the sea,
So may we, O blessed Saviour,
Pass away to dwell with Thee.

2 Like a snowflake in the sunshine,
Like the white foam-crested wave,—
Like the mists of early morning,
So we’re passing to the grave:
Like the swiftly passing shadow,
Like a tale that’s quickly told,—
Swifter than the weaver’s shuttle,—
So we all are growing old. [Refrain]

3 Like a dream that’s soon forgotten,
Like a meteor in the sky,—
Like a postman hastening onward,
So man hastens on to die:
Like the rapid flowing river,—
Like a brief watch in the night,—
Like the bubble of a moment,—
So we soon pass out of sight. [Refrain]

Source: The Helper in Sacred Song: for Sunday-schools, churches, and devotional services #46

Author: J. B. Atchinson

Atchinson, Jonathan Bush, born at Wilson, New York, Feb. 17, 1840, and "licensed as a Methodist Preacher," Sept. 6, 1874. Of his hymns the following are the best known:— 1. Behold the stone is rolled away. [Easter.] This was Mr. Atchinson's first hymn. It appeared in the Sunday School Times, Dec. 1874. It is not in use in Great Britain. 2. Fully persuaded, Lord, I believe. [Faith.] Written in 1874 or 1875, and first published in Gospel Hymns, No. 1. It is given in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, No. 149, with music by W. F. Sherwin. 3. I have read of a beautiful city. [Heaven.] Written about the same time as the former, and published in Gospel Hymns. It is given in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, No. 4… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Like the bud that quickly blossoms
Title: Swiftly Fading
Author: J. B. Atchinson
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Like the stars that fade in sunlight
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Instances

Instances (1 - 2 of 2)
Page Scan

Exalted Praise #64

TextAudioPage Scan

The Helper in Sacred Song #46

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us