While, with ceaseless course, the sun

While, with ceaseless course, the sunHasted through the former year,Many souls their race have run,Never more to meet us here:Fixed in an eternal state,They have done with all below;We a little longer wait,But how little none can know.

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;Upward, Lord, our spirits raise;All below is but a dream.

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 Saviour's love,And when life's short tale is told,May we dwell with him above.