Life let us cherish while yet the taper glows

1 Life, let us cherish, while yet the taper glows,
And heavenly treasures grasp ere it close.
In vain we seek for earthly bliss;
The plants of joy, the fruits of peace,
Can never grow in soil like this:
Place all thy hopes in heaven.
Life, let us cherish, while yet the taper glows,
And heavenly treasures grasp ere it close.

2 Life let us cherish, while yet the taper glows,
And heavenly treasures grasp ere it close.
Our hearts in vain to riches cling,
Our gems are dim, our gold hath wings,
And, when possess'd, no comfort brings:
Lay up thy wealth in heaven.

3 Life let us cherish, while yet the taper glows,
And heavenly treasures grasp ere it close.
Set not thy heart on earthly fame,
Its highest gift's an empty name,
That quickly fades or ends in shame:
True glory comes from heaven.

Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #83