Marriage Hymn

Not for the summer's 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 sorrow, pain, and fear, When Heaven's wise discipline doth make Our earthly journey drear;—

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;—

But for a being without end This vow of love we take; Grant us, O God, one home at last, For thy great, mercy's sake.