Not for the summer-hour alone,
    When skies resplendent shine,
And youth and pleasure fill the throne,
    Our hearts and hands we join.

But for those stern and wintry days
    Of peril, pain and fear,
When Heaven's wise discipline doth make
    This earthly journey drear.

Not for this span of life alone,
    Which as a blast doth fly,
And like the transient flower of grass,
    Just blossom, droop and die.

But for a being without end,
    This vow of love we take,
Grant us, Oh God! one home at last,
    For our Redeemer's sake.