How short and hasty is our life:

How vast our soul’s affairs!

Yet foolish mortals vainly strive

To lavish out their years.

2 Our days run thoughtlessly along,

Without a moment’s stay;

We, like a story, or a song,

Do pass our lives away.

3 God from on high invites us home;

But we march heedless on,

And, ever hastening to the tomb,

Stoop downward as we run.

4 Draw us, O God, with thy rich grace,

And lift our thoughts on high,

That we may end this mortal race,

And see salvation nigh.