Ο 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.
Ο 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.
Ο 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!
Ο 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 Saviour,
To sin and temptation ‘tis barr’d;
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,
Ο keep me, dear Saviour, while here,
Till “glory!” with transport, I’m crying,
Uprising to thee in the air.
A. M.