Not for the summer hour alone,

When skies resplendent shine,

And youth and pleasure fill the throne,

Our hearts and hands we join.

2 But for those stern and wintry days

Of sorrow, pain, and fear,

When heaven’s wise discipline doth make

Our earthly journey drear.

3 Not for this span of life alone,

Which like a blast doth fly;

And, as the transient flowers of grass,

Just blossom, droop, and die.

4 But for a being without end,

This vow of love we take;

Grant us, O Lord, one home at last,

For thy great mercy’s sake.