The Christian Sunday School Hymnal ‎#131

131. The World of Joy

1 What is life? 'tis but a vapor,
Soon it vanishes away;
Life is like a dying taper:
O, my soul, why wish to stay?
Why not spread thy wings and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy?
Why not spread thy wings and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy?

2 See that glory, how resplendent!
Brighter far than fancy paints;
There, in majesty transcendent,
Jesus reigns, the King of saints.
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy,
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.

3 Joyful crowds, his throne surrounding,
Sing with rapture of his love;
Thro' the heavens his praises sounding,
Filling all his courts above!
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy,
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.

4 Go, and share his people's glory,
'Midst the ransomed crowd appear;
Thine a joyful, wondrous story,
One that angels love to hear.
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy,
Spread thy wings, my soul, and fly
Straight to yonder world of joy.

Text Information

• First Line: What is life? 'tis but a vapor
• Title: The World of Joy
• Author: Kelley
• Publication Date: 1883
• Scripture:
  James 4:14

Tune Information

• Name: [What is life? 'tis but a vapor]
• Composer: R. M. McIntosh