A race on earth, a race we run,

And bold a prize in view,

More bright than if we chased the sun

Through heaven's eternal blue.

Changes we prove, and vanish soon,--

Changes from youth to age,--

Transient as those that shape the moon

On her brief pilgrimage.

Like constellations on their way,

That meet the morning light,

We travel up to higher day,

We pass through deeper night.

Their tasks the heavenly hosts fulfil,

Ere long to shine their last;

We, if we do our Father's will,

Shall shine when they are past.

Knit like the social stars in love,

Fair as the moon, and clear

As yonder sun, enthroned above,

Christians through life appear,