 | The Music of Stephen C. Foster . |  |
274
ON THE BANKS OF LIFE'S FAIR RIVER.
1
On the banks of life's fair river,Lo! a youthful band,
And they're marching, marching ever,
For the better land;
But the way is full of peril,
And, alas! within
Rebel thoughts and traitor wishes
Tempt their hearts to sin.
Cho.
Strike, children, for the Saviour!Play the hero's part,
While remains a sin unconquered
In a youthful heart.
2
Earthly things are full of danger—Thorns among the flowers—
And the devil still is lurking,
As in Eden's bowers.
Sometimes like a roaring lion,
Roams he forth to slay;
Sometimes like a hissing serpent,
Lies across our way.
Cho.
Strike, etc.3
But we have a glorious leader,Jesus, Lord of all,
Who is stronger than the Tempter.
Christ, on thee we call!
Lead us onward, dear Redeemer;
Ride thou on before,
And we shall be more than victors
In this holy war.
Cho.
Strike, &c. | The Music of Stephen C. Foster . | |