HYMN #0990 SSS #990 • SS&S Meter: 7.6. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #990: Brief life is here our portion

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

Brief life is here our portion;
Brief sorrow, short-lived care;
The life that knows no ending,
The tearless life, is there:
O happy retribution:
Short toil, eternal rest;
For mortals and for sinners
A mansion with the blest.

There grief is turned to pleasure,
Such pleasure, as below
No human voice can utter,
No human heart can know:
And now we fight the battle,
But then shall wear the crown
Of full and everlasting,
And passionless renown.

And there is David’s fountain,
And life in fullest glow,
And there the light is golden,
And milk and honey flow;
The light that hath no evening,
The health that hath no sore,
The life that hath no ending,
But lasteth evermore.

’Midst power that knows no limit,
And wisdom free from bound,
The beatific vision
Shall glad the saints around;
For He whom now we trust in
Shall then be seen and known:
And they that know and see Him
Shall have Him for their own.

Yes; God, our King and Portion,
In fulness of His grace
We then shall see for ever,
And worship face to face.
Jesus, in mercy bring us
To that dear land of rest,
Where Thou art with the Father
And Spirit ever blest.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Brief life is here our portion"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #990 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 5 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: 7.6.
Stanza Structure: 5 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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