I Would Not Live Alway

Verse 1

I WOULD not live alway: I ask not to stay,
I would not live alway: No—welcome the tomb,

Verse 1

I WOULD not live alway: I ask not to stay,
Where storm after storm rises o'er the dark way;
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here,
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.

Not in this version

Verse 2

I would not live alway, where hope is untrue,
As fair, but as fleeting, as bright morning dew;–
I long for that land whose blest promise alone
Is changeless, and sure as eternity's throne.

Verse 2

Where storm af-ter storm ris-es o'er the dark way
Slee-p Je-sus has trod there, I dread not its gloom.

Not in this version

Verse 3

The few lu-cid mornings that dawn on us here,
There, sweet be my rest, till he bid me a-rise,

Not in this version

Verse 4

Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.
To hail him in triumph de-scend-ing the skies.

Not in this version

Verse 5

Who, who would live alway, away from his God
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,
Where rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noon-tide of glory eternally reigns.

Verse 3

Who, who would live alway, away from his God
Away from his kingdom, that blissful abode,
Where rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noon-tide of glory eternally reigns.

Verse 6

Where saints of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Savior and brethren, transported to greet;
Where anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul.

Verse 4

Where saints of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Saviour and brethren, transported to greet;
Where anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul.