"Here we have no continuing city." Heb. 13: 14.
Oh 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.
Oh 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.
Oh 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!
Oh 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,
Oh keep me, blest Savior, while here,
Till "Glory!" with transport, I'm crying,
Uprising to Thee in the air.