Classic Poem

1. As flows the rapid river, With channel broad and free,
2. As moons are ever waning, As hastes the sun away,
Its waters rippling ever, And hasting to the sea,
As storm and winds, complaining, Bring on the wintry day,
So life is onward flowing, And days of offered peace,
So fast the night comes o'er us, The darkness of the grave;
And man is swiftly going Where calls of mercy cease.
And death is just before us; God takes the life he gave.

3. Say, hath thy heart its treasure
Laid up in worlds above?
And is it all thy pleasure
Thy God to praise and love?
Beware, lest death's dark river
Its billows o'er thee roll,
And thou lament forever
The ruin of thy soul.