I Would Not Live Alway

Representative Text

1 I would not live alway; I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o’er the way.
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here
Suffice for life’s woes, are enough for its cheer.

2 I would not live always; thus fettered by sin,
Temptation without and corruption within;
E’en rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,
The cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.

3 I would not live alway; no, welcome the tomb:
Since Jesus hath lain there, I dread not its gloom.
There sweet be my rest till He bid me arise
To hail Him in triumph descending the skies.

4 Ah, who would live alway, away from his God,
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,
Where rivers of pleasure flow o’er the bright plains
And noontide of glory eternally reigns;

5 Where saints of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Savior and brethren transported to greet,
While anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul?

Amen.

Source: The Lutheran Hymnal #588

Author: William Augustus Muhlenberg

Mühlenberg, William Augustus, D.D., son of the Rev. Dr. Mühlenberg, and grandson of Henry Melchior Mühlenberg, the patriarch of Lutheranism in America, was born in Philadelphia Sept. 16, 1796. He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1814. Entering Holy Orders in 1817, he was successively Assistant Rector of St. James's Lancaster, 1823; Rector of the Church of the Holy Communion, New York, 1843; St. Paul's College, Flushing (1828); St. Luke's Hospital, New York (1855); St. John's and Long Island (1865), were established by him. He died April 6, 1877. His poetical gift was genuine, but not largely used. In 1826 he contributed four hymns to the Prayer Book Collection (of which he was one of the Committee). His Poems appeared in 1… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: I would not live alway: I ask not to stay (Muhlenberg)
Title: I Would Not Live Alway
Author: William Augustus Muhlenberg
Meter: 11.11.11.11
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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The Cyber Hymnal #3188
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