Hymnal: The Christian Hymnal Revised
Date: 1882
Compiler: A I Hobbs et al
Publisher/Printer: Christian Publishing Co
First Line: I would not live always I ask not to stay
Topic: Conflicts and Temptations
Writer: W Muhlenberg
Composer: George Kingsley
Meter: 11s
Tune: Frederick
Hymn Number: 569
Page Number: 204, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsI WOULD not live always; I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way;
The few cloudy mornings that dawn on us here
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.
I would not live always: no; welcome the tomb;
Since Jesus has lain there, I dread not its gloom;
There sweet be my rest, till He bid me arise
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.
Who, who would live always away from his God,
Away from you heaven, that blissful abode?
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns;
Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Saviour and brethren transported to greet;
While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul!