The Minstrel of Zion ‎#173

173. "Vain world, adieu"

1 When for eternal worlds we steer,
And seas are calm, and skies are clear,
And faith in lively exercise,
And distant hills of Canaan rise.
The soul for joy then claps her wings,
And loud her lovely sonnet sings,
Vain world, adieu,
Vain world, adieu,
And loud her lovely sonnet sings,
Vain world, adieu.

2 With cheerful hopes her eyes explore
Each landmark on the distant shore:
The trees of life, the pastures green,
The golden streets, the crystal stream;
Again for joy she claps her wings,
And loud her lovely sonnet sings,
Vain world, adieu.

3 The nearer still she draws to land,
More eager all her powers expand;
With steady helm and free bent sail,
Her anchor drops within the vail;
Again for joy she claps her wings
And her celestial sonnet sings,
Glory to God.

Text Information

• First Line: When for eternal worlds we steer
• Title: "Vain world, adieu"
• Publication Date: 1845

Tune Information

• Name: "VAIN WORLD, ADIEU"
• Meter: P. M.
• Key: D Major