Friday, March 18, 2011

To the Last

When falls the rain; when shakes the earth—
When moves the main to strike out mirth—
When waters rise and floods ensue,
Almighty God will shelter you;
For He, who saved us in the past,
Saves presently and to the last.

Though dissolute our earthly homes—
Fallen structures, broken domes—
CHRIST (though earth infuse our parts)
Makes tabernacles of our hearts.
There, to dwell 'til life is past,
From present moment to the last.

Though souls upon a storm-tossed sea,
We own all rivers come from Thee—
Like living streams to wash our eyes
And visions grant, of Zion's skies.
In providence, Lord, light the past,
Guide presently and lead to last.