'Twas in the days of vernal prime

'Twas in the days of vernal prime

Author: William Hunter
Tune: THE BETTER PART
Published in 2 hymnals

Representative Text

1 'Twas in the days of vernal prime,
My love to Christ was giv'n;
And now, in age's wintry time,
My hopes are fix'd on heav'n.
The world upon me threw its smiles,
To gain my youthful heart;
But I was saved from Satan's wiles,
I chose the better part.
I chose the better part,
I chose the better part.
But I was saved from Satan's wiles,
I chose the better part.

2 Wherever roved my pilgrim feet,
O'er mountain, plain, or sea,
Through winter's storm, and summer's heat,
His care was still with me:
His love, my solace and my stay,
Still dwelt within my heart;
My feet were kept in wisdom's way--
I chose the better part.

3 And now, my wanderings almost done,
I wait the welcome word,
To mount above the burning sun,
And meet my faithful Lord.
Oh! blessed power of saving grace,
That kept my roving heart;
It gave my hopes a resting-place:
I chose the better part.

4 That better part on me bestow'd,
No power can force from hence;
Christ is my Saviour and my God,
My soul's secure defence;
Even death itself can not remove
This treasure from my heart,
But I shall reign with Christ above,
And share that better part.

Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #48

Author: William Hunter

Hunter, William, D.D, son of John Hunter, was born near Ballymoney, County Antrim, Ireland, May 26, 1811. He removed to America in 1817, and entered Madison College in 1830. For some time he edited the Conference Journal, and the Christian Advocate. In 1855 he was appointed Professor of Hebrew in Alleghany College: and subsequently Minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Alliance, Stark Country, Ohio. He died in 1877. He edited Minstrel of Zion, 1845; Select Melodies, 1851; and Songs of Devotion, 1859. His hymns, over 125 in all, appeared in these works. Some of these have been translated into various Indian languages. The best known are :— 1. A home in heaven; what a joyful thought. Heaven a Home. From his Minstrel of Zion, 1… Go to person page >

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First Line: 'Twas in the days of vernal prime
Author: William Hunter
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Minstrel of Zion #48

The Singer's Choice #d202

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