He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 3:36
Words: Anonymous, in On Joyful Wing, edited by John Sweney & William J. Kirkpatrick (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John J. Hood, 1886), number 66.
Music: John R. Sweney (🔊 pdf nwc).
A young man was working alone in a large room in which was a big clock, the loud ticking of which seemed to frame itself into the words,
Eternity!—where?Unable to endure any longer the reflections thus awakened, he arose and stopped the clock; but the question,
Eternity!—where?still so haunted him, that he threw down his work, and hurrying home, determined that he would not allow anything to engage his thoughts till he could satisfactorily answer that searching question,Eternity!—where?
Eternity! Where?
It floats in the air;
Amid clamor or silence it ever is there!
The question so solemn—Eternity! Where?
The question so solemn—Eternity! Where?
Eternity! Where?
Oh! Eternity! where?
With redeemed ones in glory? Or fiends in despair?
With one or the other—Eternity! Where?
With one or the other—Eternity! Where?
Eternity! Where?
Oh! how can you share
The world’s giddy pleasures, or heedlessly dare?
Do aught till you settle—Eternity! Where?
Do aught till you settle—Eternity! Where?
Eternity! Where?
Oh! friend, have a care;
Soon God will no longer His judgment forbear;
This day may decide your Eternity! Where?
This day may decide your Eternity! Where?
Eternity! Where?
Oh! Eternity! Where?
Friend, sleep not, nor take in the world any share,
Till you answer this question—Eternity! Where?
Till you answer this question—Eternity! Where?