The happiness which springs on earth,
In nature’s garden hath its birth,
And is at best but little worth,
So fleeting is its gladness;
For like a flower, it blooms a day,
Its transient beauties doth display,
And then forever fades away,
And leaves a shade of sadness.
The bliss which comes from heaven above,
And springs from God’s unbounded love,
Is pure, and soothes us like the dove,
And yields no after-sorrow;
It never leaves the bosom void,
Nor, with its full abundance, cloyed,
But e’er-increasing, while enjoyed,
‘Tis better still tomorrow.
This happiness ne’er fades away,
Nor makes a fleet and transient stay,
But blooms throughout eternal day,
In God’s e’er-blessed presence.
His pleasures are for evermore,
And kept for those who Him adore;
They’re sound and fragrant to the core;
Of pure and holy essence.