Wesley Corpus

A Funeral Hymn Source: Collection of Psalms and Hymns (1741) Author: Charles Wesley (attributed) --- Vain man, of mortal parents born, Know thou art born to die! How frail our state, how short our life! How full of misery! As flowers from mother-earth we rise, A fading bloom we spread: As soon we waste and pass away Among th’ unnumber’d dead. As shadows glide o’er hills and dales, And yet no tracks appear; So swift we vanish hence; our souls Have no abiding here. The mourners go about the streets With solemn steps, and slow; Thus must it be for you and me, To the same home we go. So teach us, Lord, to number out Our life’s uncertain days, We timely may our hearts apply To heav’nly wisdom’s ways. O holy Lord! O mighty God! When we resign our breath, Then save us from the bitter pains Of everlasting death.