For the New Year

Words: Thomas H. Gill, 1855

Music: "Mirfield" by Arthur Cottman, 1874
Meter: CM

Source: Henry Sloane Coffin and Ambrose White Vernon, eds., Hymns of the Kingdom of God. New York: The A. S. Barnes Company, 1910, #455

1. Break, newborn year, on glad eyes break!
    Melodious voices move!
On, rolling time! thou canst not make
    The Father cease to love.

2. The parted year had winged feet;
    The Saviour still doth stay:
The new year comes; but, spirit sweet,
    Thou goest not away.

3. Our hearts in tears may oft run o'er;
    But, Lord, Thy smile still beams:
Our sins are swelling evermore,
    But pardoning grace still streams.

4. Lord, from this year more service win,
    More glory, more delight:
O make its hours less sad with sin,
    Its days with Thee more bright.

5. Then we may bless its precious things
    If earthly cheer should come,
Or gladsome mount on angel wings
    If Thou wouldst take us home.

6. O golden then the hours must be;
    The year must needs be sweet;
Yes, Lord, with happy melody
    Thine opening grace we greet.

Sheet Music "Mirfield" by Arthur Cottman, 1874, from Henry Sloane Coffin and Ambrose White Vernon, eds., Hymns of the Kingdom of God. New York: The A. S. Barnes Company, 1910, #455