Life passing away.

AS flows the rapid river, With channel broad and free, Its waters rippling ever, And hasting to the sea;

So life is onward flowing, And days of offered peace, And man is swiftly going Where calls of mercy cease.

As moons are ever waning, As hastes the sun away, As stormy winds complaining, Bring on the wintry day;

So fast the night comes o'er us— The darkness of the grave; And death is just before us— God takes the life he gave.

Say, hath thy heart its treasure Laid up in worlds above? And is it all thy pleasure, Thy God to praise and love?

Beware lest death's dark river Its billows o'er thee roll, And thou lament forever The ruin of thy soul.