1 They build upon the rolling sand,
A tottering house that will not stand,
Who place in works their trust;
And in the dark and stormy day,
Their frail support shall fall away,
And crumble into dust.

2 ‘Tis not by works that we have done,
But thro' our faith in Christ alone,
That we can be secure;
While on this sure foundation laid,
No storm can make the soul afraid,
For its defense is sure.

3 Then let us not with earnest care
A worthless building strive to rear,
And labor thus in vain;
But fix out faith and hope alone
Upon that precious cornerstone
Which ever shall remain.