Old Fashioned Lilacs with How vain are all things here below and What will it matter, by and by

  How vain are all things here below!
  How false, and yet how fair!
Each pleasure hath its poison too,
  And every sweet a snare.

  The brightest things below the sky
  Give but a flattering light;
We should suspect some danger nigh,
  Where we possess delight.

  Our dearest joys, and nearest friends,
  The partners of our blood,-
How they divide our wavering minds,
  And leave but half for God!

  The fondness of a creature’s love,-
  How strong it strikes the sense!
Thither the warm affections move,
  Nor can we call them thence.

  My Saviour, let thy beauties be
  My soul’s eternal food;
And grace command my heart away
  From all created good.
                          Isaac Watts



What will it matter, by and by,
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether my crosses were heavy or light,
Whether my pathway was cloudy or bright,
When I shall walk with the ransomed in white,
Safe in that beautiful land?

What will it matter, by and by,
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether my trials were many or few,
Whether the world was unfaithful or true,
When my Redeemer in glory I view,
Home in that beautiful land?

What will it matter, by and by,
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether the waters were bitter or sweet,
Murmuring gently or sad at my feet,
When the departed, with rapture, I meet,
Home in that beautiful land?

What will it matter, by and by,
What will it matter, by and by,
Whether I pass with the morning away,
Whether at noontide or closing of day
When in the valley of Eden I stray,
Home in that beautiful land?
                             Fanny J. Crosby