New Year's Day

While, with ceaseless course, the sun

Hasted through the circling year,

Many souls their race have run,

Never more to meet us here;

Fixed in an eternal state,

They have done with all below;

We a little longer wait,

But how little--none can know.

As the winged 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;

Upward, 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 Saviour's love;

And when life's short tale is told,

May we dwell with Him above.