James Montgomery · 219 of 363

Hymn 216: A hundred years ago, not one

HYMN CCXVI.

A hundred years ago, not one Of us had sprung to birth; A hundred years to come, and none Can hope to walk this earth.

We are, we were not! here our mind Looks round with hopes and fears; This point is Time; before, behind, Eternity appears.

'Tis yet, through grace, within our power, To choose what we would be; On the decision of an hour, Depends eternity.

This hour! this moment, let us take The narrow upward path; This hour, this moment, all forsake The broad down road to wrath.

O Lord, our Shepherd! lest like sheep, Thy children go astray, Feed us with knowledge, guide and keep Our souls in Thy right way.

So, when a hundred years are fled, Remembering this day's choice, On earth, though number'd with the dead, In heaven, may we rejoice.