(Recited by George Walker, a Gospel Preacher, when he became 100 years of age)
They call it going down the hill when we are growing old
They speak in mournful accents as if our tale was told –
They sigh when speaking of the past of days that used to be
As if the future was not bright with immortality.
But ’tis not going down the hill, ’tis climbing up much higher
Until we almost see the heights to which our souls aspire –
For if these natural eyes grow dim, ’tis but to dim the earth
While eyes of faith grow clearer to discern the Saviour’s worth.
Who would exchange for shooting blade the waving golden grain?
Or when the corn is fully ripe would wish it green again?
And who would wish the hoary head found in the way of Truth
To be again encircled with the sunny locks of youth?
For though our outward man may perish and decay
The inward man can be renewed by grace from day to day –
Those implanted in the Lord unshaken in the root
Shall in their old age flourish and bring forth choicest fruit.
‘Tis not years that make men old, the spirit can be young
Though fully three score years and ten the which of life have run –
God has Himself assured us in His Blessed Word of Truth
They that wait upon the Lord shall thus renew their youth.
So when the eyes now dim with tears shall behold the King
And ears now dull of hearing shall hear all heaven sing –
And on the head now hoary be placed the crown of gold
We shall know the lasting joy of never growing old.
Truth Archive 