Earth's Generations Pass

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As shadows cast by cloud and sun

Author: William Cullen Bryant
Published in 58 hymnals

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Representative Text

1. As shadows cast by cloud and sun
Flit o’er the summer grass,
So, in Thy sight, Almighty One,
Earth’s generations pass.
And as the years, an endless host,
Come swiftly pressing on,
The brightest names that earth can boast
Just glisten and are gone.

2. Yet doth the star of Bethlehem shed
A luster pure and sweet;
And still it leads, as once it led,
To the Messiah’s feet.
O Father, may that holy star
Grow every year more bright,
And send its glorious beams afar
To fill the world with light.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #250

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Author: William Cullen Bryant

Bryant, William Cullen. First in order of time of the great American poets, Bryant was born at Cummington, Mass., Nov. 3, 1794, and was educated at Williams College. In 1815 he'was called to the Bar, and practised for a time at Great Barrington. In 1825 he retired from the Bar, settled at New York, and devoted himself to literary pursuits, founding the New York Review, and editing for a short time the New York Evening Post. He died June 12, 1878. His poetical and other works are well known. His hymns were written at intervals during his long life. They were collected and privately printed in 1869, and number over 20. Those in common use are:— 1. Almighty, listen while we raise. Praise. This is given as "Almighty hear us,” &c,… Go to person page >

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First Line:	As shadows cast by cloud and sun
Title:	Earth's Generations Pass
Author:	William Cullen Bryant
Language:	English
Refrain First Line:	Yes, one by one we pass away
Copyright:	Public Domain