One By One

One by one the sands are flowing
One by one the moments fall,

One by one the sands are flowing
One by one the moments fall,
Some are coming, some are going —
Do not strive to grasp them all.

One by one thy duties wait thee,
Let thy whole strength go to each;
Let no future dreams elate thee;
Learn thou first what those can teach.

One by one, (bright gifts from heaven,)
Joys are sent thee here below;
Take them readily when given —
Ready, too, to let them go.

One by one thy griefs shall meet thee,
Do not fear an arméd band;
One will fade, while others greet thee,
Shadows passing through the land.

Do not look at life’s long sorrow,
See how small each moment’s pain;
God will help tee for to-morrow —
Every day begin again.

Every hour that fleets so slowly,
Has its task to do or bear;
Luminous the crown, and holy,
If thou set each gem wit care.

Do not linger with regretting,
Or for passion’s hour despond;
Nor, the daily toil forgetting,
Look too eagerly beyond.

Hours are golden links, God’s token,
Reaching heaven, but one by one
Take them, lest the chain be broken
Ere the pilgrimage be done.