HYMN #1042 SSS #1042 • SS&S Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #1042: It is not time that flies

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

It is not time that flies, ’tis we, ’tis we are flying;
It is not life that dies, ’tis we, ’tis we are dying.
Time and eternity are one,
Time is eternity begun:
Time changes, but without decay,
’Tis we alone who pass away.

It is not truth that flies, ’tis we, ’tis we are flying;
It is not faith that dies, ’tis we, ’tis we are dying.
Oever-during Faith and Truth,
Whose youth is age, whose age is youth;
Twin stars of immortality,
Ye cannot perish from the sky.

It is not hope that flies, ’tis we, ’tis we are flying;
It is not love that dies, ’tis we, ’tis we are dying.
Twin streams that have in heaven your birth,
Ye glide in gentle joy through earth;
We fade like flowers beside you sown —
Ye are still flowing, flowing on.

Yet we but die to live, it is from death we’re flying;
For ever lives our life, for us there is no dying.
We die, but as the spring-bud dies,
In summer’s golden glow to rise;
These be our days of vernal bloom.
Our harvest is beyond the tomb.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "It is not time that flies"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #1042 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: Standard Metrical Hymnody
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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