O this is a dark scene of sorrow;
For though I may smile today,
My tears may flow fast ere tomorrow,
And my smiles may have all passed away:
But there is the region of gladness,
Where joys do perennially flow:
There never a feeling of sadness,
The blessed in Jesus shall know.
O this is a dark scene of sorrow:
I may have heart-treasures today,
But they may be gone ere tomorrow—
Loved objects pass quickly away:
But there is the region of pleasure,
No changes or losses it knows;
There, there all is undying treasure;
And holy, eternal repose.
O this is a dark scene of sorrow,
Sweet friendship may greet me today,
But hearts oft estrange ere the morrow,
And sympathy withers away;
But there is the realm of communion,
Unearthly—unbroken—divine;
There Christ is the center of union,
Each breast, Lord, the image of Thine!
O this is a dark scene of sorrow;
Though happy in Jesus today,
Temptations may come ere tomorrow,
And I may have wandered astray:
But there is the home of my Savior,
To sin and temptation ‘tis barred;
I there shall rejoice in His favor,
And “forever” shall be with the Lord.
I shall soon leave this dark scene of sorrow,
Ah, yes, I might leave it today;
For my Lord may be here ere tomorrow,
And take His poor pilgrim away.
On Thee and Thy promise relying,
O keep me, blest Savior, while here,
Till “glory!” with transport, I’m crying,
Uprising to Thee in the air.