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Hymnals of the Stone-Campbell Movement

Enos E. Dowling Hymnal Collection

Hymn: What is life 't is but a vapor (FL)

Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book

Date: 1865

Compiler: Alexander Campbell

Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern

First Line: What is life 't is but a vapor

Topic: The Present and the Future/Life and Death

Writer: <no first name given> Kelly

Composer:

Meter: PM

Tune:

Hymn Number: 1078

Page Number: 638, click to see hymnal pages

Lyics

What is life? 't is but a vapor,

Soon it vanishes away.

Life is but a dying taper-

O, my soul, why wish to stay!

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy.



See that glory, how replendent!

Brighter far than fancy paints;

There, in majesty transcendaent,

Jesus reigns the King of saints.

Why not spread thy wings anf fly

Straight to yonder world of joy.



Joyful crowds his throne surrounding,

Sing with rapture of his love;

Through the heavens his praise resounding,

Filling all the courts above.

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Straight to yonder world of joy.



Go, and share his people's glory,

'Midst the ransom'd crowd appear;

Thine a joyful, wonderous story,

One that angels love to hear.

Why not spread thy wings and fly

Stright to yonder world of joy.