1 "To be with Christ!" O dream of all the dearest,
What precious comfort does this hope afford!
Beyond the reach of sin and death and sorrow,
Some day, to be "forever with the Lord!"
Chorus:
"To be with Christ!" For this I thirst and hunger,
For this I wait, for this I "watch and pray;"
I listen for the footfall of His coming,
Or when His voice may call my soul away.
2 "To be with Christ!" "With Christ, which is far better,"
No other joy could with that joy compare,
To dwell with Him in light and love supernal,
And in His rapture and His glory share. [Chorus]
3 "To be with Christ!" With Him who died to save me,
Who ever lives, for me to intercede,
Sweet recompense for all life's labor;
Oh! this, alone, for me were Heav'n indeed! [Chorus]
4 "To be with Christ!" The days are swiftly passing,
It may be soon that He will call for me;
Then, by His grace, I must be robed and ready,
Not sleeping, lest He call me suddenly. [Chorus]
Source: Victory Songs: For the Church, Sunday School and Evangelistic Services. #72
Thomas O. Chisholm was born in Franklin, Kentucky in 1866. His boyhood was spent on a farm and in teaching district schools. He spent five years as editor of the local paper at Franklin. He was converted to Christianity at the age of 26 and soon after was business manager and office editor of the "Pentecostal Herald" of Louisville, Ky. In 1903 he entered the ministry of the M. E. Church South. His aim in writing was to incorporate as much as Scripture as possible and to avoid flippant or sentimental themes.
Dianne Shapiro, from "The Singers and Their Songs: sketches of living gospel hymn writers" by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel (Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company, 1916)… Go to person page >
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