James Montgomery

For a Birthday.

Is this the day that gave me birth?

Returning year by year,

Still as a stranger on the earth,

It finds and leaves me here.

But oh! the day, the day draws nigh,

When I must hence depart,

Leave all things pleasant to the eye,

Or precious to the heart.

Where shall my naked spirit then,

Flee at my latest breath?

Alas! I must be born again,

Or die a deadlier death.

While everlasting ages roll

Without a change away,

My ransom'd or my ruin'd soul,

Shall bless or curse this day.

Lord Jesus, who Thyself was born

To live and die for me,

Thy doctrine may my life adorn,

Death take me home to Thee.