while with ceaseless course the sun

while with ceaseless course the sun
hasted through the former year,
many souls their race have run,
never more to meet us here;
fixed in an eternal fate,
they have done with all below;
we a little longer wait,
but how little none can know.

as the wingèd arrow flies
speedily the mark to find;
as the lightning from the skies
darts, and leaves no trace behind;
swiftly thus our fleeting days
bear us down life’s rapid stream;
upwards, 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 live
with eternity in view:
bless thy word to young and old,
fill us with a savior’s love;
and when life’s short tale is told,
may we dwell with thee above.