O sweet as vernal dews, that fill

1 Oh! sweet as vernal dews that fill
The closing buds on Zion's hill,
When evening clouds draw thither;
So sweet, so heavenly 'tis to see
The members of one family
Live peacefully together!

2 The children, like the lily flowers
On which descend the sun and showers,
Their hues of beauty blending;
The parents, like the willow boughs
On which the lovely foliage grows,
Their friendly shade extending.

3 But leaves the greenest will decay,
And flowers the brightest fade away,
When autumn winds are sweeping;
And be the household e'er so fair,
The hand of death will soon be there,
And turn the scene to weeping.

4 Yet leaves again will clothe the trees,
And lilies wave beneath the breeze,
When spring comes smiling hither;
And friends, who parted at the tomb,
May yet renew their loveliest bloom,
And meet in heaven together.

Source: The Voice of Praise: a collection of hymns for the use of the Methodist Church #742