Book 2, Hymn 1 · John Newton · Public-domain words
While with ceaseless course the sun
Book 2, Hymn 1 · John Newton
The words
1
Stanza 1. While with ceaseless course the sunHasted through the former year,Many souls their race have run,Never more to meet us hereFixed in an eternal fate,They have done with all below;We a little longer wait,But how little—none can know.
2
Stanza 2. As the winged arrow fliesSpeedily the mark to find;As the lightning from the skiesDarts, and leaves no trace behind;Swiftly thus our fleeting daysBear us down life’s rapid stream;Upwards, Lord, our spirits raise,All below is but a dream.
3
Stanza 3. Thanks for mercies past receive,Pardon of our sins renew;Teach us, henceforth, how to liveWith eternity in view:Bless thy word to young and old,Fill us with a Savior’s love;And when life’s short tale is told,May we dwell with thee above.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 1. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-1
About these words
John Newton lived from 1725 to 1807. These historical words are public domain.
This hymn belongs to the complete three-book collection first published in 1779.
