One by One

by Adelaide A. Procter

Source of witness transcribed: Daily American Organ (Washington, D.C.)

Date of witness transcribed: 24 May 1855

Notes about this poem: "One by One" was printed in at least 201 newspapers during the nineteenth century. It can be found using ID 2073537 in this table of most widely-reprinted poems.

It was also a popular hymn, as can be seen here.

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• One by one the sands are flowing,
• One by one the moments fall;
• Some are coming, some are going,

• Do not strive to grasp them all.

• One by one thy duties wait thee,
• Let the whole strength go to each,
• Let not future dreams elate thee,

• Learn thou first what these can teach.

• One by one (bright gifts from Heaven,)
• Joys are sent thee here below;
• Take them readily when given,

• Ready, too, to let them go.

• One by one thy griefs shall meet thee,
• Do not fear an armed band;
• One will fade as others greet thee,

• Shadows passing through the land.

• Do not look at life’s long sorrow;
• See how small each movement’s pain;
• God will help thee for to-morrow:

• Every day begin again.

• Every hour that fleets so slowly,
• Has its task to do or bear;
• Luminous the crown, and holy,

• If thou set each gem with care.

• Do not linger with regretting,
• Or for passion hours despond;
• Nor, the daily toil forgetting,

• Look too eagerly beyond.

• Hours are golden links, God’s token,
• Reaching Heaven; but one by one,
• Take them lest the chain be broken
• Ere the pilgrimage be done.