1 How short and hasty is our life! How vast our souls' affairs! Yet senseless mortals vainly strive To lavish out their years.
2 Our days run thoughtlessly along, Without a moment's stay; Just like a story or a song We pass our lives away.
3 God from on high invites us home, But we march heedless on, And ever hastening to the tomb, Stoop downwards as we run.
4 How we deserve the deepest hell That slight the joys above! What chains of vengeance should we feel That break such cords of love!
5 Draw us, O God, with sovereign grace, And lift our thoughts on high, That we may end this mortal race And see salvation nigh.