Time how swift by John Newton

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.