QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

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 future dreams elate thee;

Learn thou first what those 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, while 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 -

Every day begin again.

Every hour that fleets so slowly,

Has its task to do or bear;

Luminous the crown, and holy,

If thou set each gem with care.

Do not linger with regretting,

Or for passion's hour despond,

Nor, the daily toil forgetting,

Look too eagerly beyond.

Hours are golden links, God's token,

Reaching heaven one by one;

Take them lest the chain be broken,

Ere the pilgrimage be done.

(From The Changed Cross, by Henry Altemus, c. 1897)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"