One by One

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 further dreams elate thee,

Learn thou first what these 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 armed band;

One will fade as 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 thee for to-morrow,

So each day begin again.

Every hour that fleets so slowly

Has its task to do or bear;

Luminous the crown, and holy,

When each gem is set with care.

Do not linger with regretting,

Or for passing hours despond;

Nor, thy 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.