Let us love one another, not long may we stay

1 Let us love one another, not long may we stay
In this brief world of mourning, so brief is life’s day;
Some fade ere ’tis noon, and few linger till eve;
Oh, there breaks not a heart but leaves some one to grieve.

2 And the fondest, the purest, the truest that met,
Ever still found the need to forgive and forget;
Then, oh, tho’ the hopes that we nourish'd decay,
Let us love one another as long as we may.

3 Thus we’ll love one another 'midst sorrow the worst,
Unalter'd and fond as we loved at the first;
Tho’ the false wing of pleasure may change and forsake,
And the bright urn of wealth into particles break.

4 There are some sweet affections that earth cannot buy,
That cling but the closer when sorrow draws nigh,
And remain with us yet, though all else pass away;
Yes, we’ll love one another as long as we stay.

Source: The New Sabbath School Hosanna: enlarged and improved: a choice collection of popular hymns and tunes, original and selected: for the Sunday school and the family circle... #49

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #9307