404. PART 10.
“For ever.”
1
What a depth profound of meaning
In that word, for ever, lies!
Kindling thoughts of joy or sorrow,
As alternate scenes arise!
While, impatient,
Time on rapid pinion flies!
2
He who wets his nightly pillow,
On the world's wide desert cast;
Trouble still succeeding trouble,
Wave on wave, and blast on blast,
Thinks, rejoicing,
They will not for ever last.
3
If, upon our cold horizon,
Hope's seraphic form should break;
Resting on the Rock of Ages!
Which, nor flood, nor storm can shake;
Then, what transport
Does the word, for ever, wake!
4
But a darker doom is threaten'd!
Ill that cannot know a cure;
Go, ye cursed! is the sentence,
From the ransom'd and the pure!
Who, for ever!
May Jehovah's wrath endure!
5
Yet, prepar'd for every pilgrim,
Faith beholds a happier shore;
Fruits are there which gladden angels;
Joys, which ages must explore!
Still augmenting,
When the lapse of time is o'er!
6
What are scenes that glide before us,
Like the blush of closing day?
Souls, sublimed from dross of nature,
Spurn the good that will not stay?
Earthly objects
Charm their hour, and pass away!
7
Let the word, the long for ever,
Be with all our aims combin'd!
Streams that fail, and flowers that wither,
Suit not the immortal mind!
Ground, that shakes not,
Firm as heaven, our feet must find!
8
Through thy grace, Almighty Father!
By thine influence, Heavenly Dove!
For thy sake, Divine Redeemer!
May we here be fill'd with love;
And, for ever,
Serve thee in the world above!
