1 As on a hill-top gained at last,
By many a step, we stand today,
To look behind us on the past,
Before us on o’er our future way.
2 A year of Sabbaths come and gone,
Months bright with mercies meet our gaze;
Thy hand, O God, hath led us on,
Thy goodness claims our song of praise.
3 Within Thy house can we forget
Our Father’s love, so rich and free?
Can we forget the mighty debt,
Our Savior, that we owe to Thee ?
4 Oh may the year that now begins,
Behold us choose the heavenward way,
Redeem the time, forsake our sins,
And follow Thee, Lord, day by day.
5 Today to each the choice is giv’n,
How long it may be, who can tell—
On this side lies the bliss of Heav’n,
On that the awful gloom of hell.
6 Jesus, Thy pleading look we see,
Thy wounded hands, Thy thorn-wreathed brow—
Help us to yield our hearts to Thee—
To yield them all, and yield them now.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #11659
Burns, James Drummond, M.A., was born at Edinburgh, February 18, 1823. He studied and graduated M.A. at the University of Edinburgh. In 1845 he became Free Church minister of Dunblane, but resigned through failing health, in 1848, and took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Funchal, Madeira. In 1855 he became minister of Hampstead Presbyterian Church, London. Died at Mentone, Nov. 27, 1864, and was buried in Highgate Cemetery, London.
His hymns appeared in:—
(l) The Vision of Prophecy: and other Poems (Edin., Edmonston and Douglas). This was originally published in 1854, and enlarged in 1858. The Poems are distinguished by vivid colouring and poetic imagination, along with directness, delicacy of execution, pensive sweetness, and t… Go to person page >
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