A Bygone Year

A year, another year is fled; Its issues who can tell? Millions of voices of the dead Reply from Heav’n or hell. All these were living at the birth Of the departed year; They all have vanished from the earth, We fill their places here. Though to the eye, the ear, the mind Of man their speech is sealed, Th’eternal meaning each may find, In two plain words revealed. Lost spirits, from the dark abyss, Cry mournfully Beware! Spirits in glory, and in bliss, Sing joyfully Prepare! Thus timely warned, and moved with fear, Of wrath, let us beware; For life or death, in this new year, For earth and Heav’n prepare. Who then of those with us, this day In childhood, youth, or age, To love the Lord our God can say We all our hearts engage.