For the New Year

Words: John Newton (1725-1807), 1779,
From Olney Hymns. London: W. Oliver, 1779, Book II, Hymn 1.

Music: Christe, wahres Seelenlicht
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / PDF / XML

Meter: 77 77 D

1. While with ceaseless course the sun
Hasted through the former year,
Many souls their race have run,
Nevermore to meet us here;
Fixed in an eternal state,
They have done with all below.
We a little longer wait,
But how little, none can know.

2. As the winged arrow files
Speedily the mark to find;
As the lightning from the skies
Darts and leaves no trace behind,
Swiftly thus our fleeting days
Bear us down life's rapid stream.
Upward, Lord, our spirits raise;
All below is but a dream.

3. Thanks for mercies past receive,
Pardon of our sins renew;
Teach us henceforth how to live
With eternity in view.
Bless Thy Word to young and old,
Fill us with a Savior's love;
And when life's short tale is told,
May we dwell with Thee above.

Sheet Music from Hugh Blair and Lister R. Peace, eds., Church Hymnal For The Christian Year. London: Novello & Company, Ltd., 1917, #124.

Note:

Hymns on this site by John Newton:

• Amazing Grace

• Carol Of The Wheat And Tares (First Line: "Though in the outward church below")

• Let Hearts And Tongues Unite

• My Song Shall Bless The Lord Of All

• Now Let Us Join With Hearts And Tongues

• The Lord, Our Salvation And Light

• Sweeter Sounds Than Music Knows

• When A Black Overspreading Cloud

• While With Ceaseless Course The Sun

For more information, see:

CCEL, The Olney Hymns (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/newton/olneyhymns.html)

Rodney Canete, “The Olney Hymns by John Newton.” Brown University, 1997. (http://www.victorianweb.org/religion/hymns/olney.html)

Al Rogers, “Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton” (http://www.anointedlinks.com/amazing_grace.html)

The Cyberhymnal, “John Newton” (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/n/e/w/newton_j.htm)

All sites accessed February 17, 2007. All links open at an exterior site.