Book of Worship with Hymns and Tunes ‎#565

565. I would not live alway: I ask not to stay

1 I would not live alway: I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er our way;
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.

2 I would not live alway, thus fettered by sin;
Temptation without and corruption within:
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.

3 I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb:
Since Jesus hath 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.

4 Who, who would live alway, away from his God;
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns?

5 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.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: I would not live alway: I ask not to stay
• Author: William A. Muhlenberg (1824)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899
• Topic: Death: Confidence in; Funerals

Tune Information

• Name: FREDERICK
• Composer: George Kingsley
• Meter: 11s.