1 We know not why we have to bear
So much distress, so much despair;
but some delightful, blessed day,
The mystery will pass away.
Refrain:
The mystery of life will end
When we behold our blessed Friend;
Yes, in that bright and blessed day,
The mystery will pass away.
2 We do not know why some must sign
And others sing, while life goes by;
But when shall end this earthly fray,
The mystery will pass away. [Refrain]
3 We know not why some toil in vain,
And some with ease vast riches gain;
But in the land of fadeless day,
The mystery will pass away. [Refrain]
4 We can not tell why God's own Son
Should die for wrongs that we had done;
But when on earth no more we stray,
The mystery will pass away. [Refrain]
Source: Melodies of Love #126
Pseudonym: James S. Apple.
James Rowe was born in England in 1865. He served four years in the Government Survey Office, Dublin Ireland as a young man. He came to America in 1890 where he worked for ten years for the New York Central & Hudson R.R. Co., then served for twelve years as superintendent of the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society. He began writing songs and hymns about 1896 and was a prolific writer of gospel verse with more than 9,000 published hymns, poems, recitations, and other works.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1916) Go to person page >
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