Once, while we Aim'D at Zion's Songs

I: Once, while we aim'd at Zion's songs,
A sudden mourning check'd our tongues!

Then we were called to sow in tears
The seeds of joy for future years.

II: Oft as that memorable hour
The changing year brings round again,
We meet to praise the love and power
Which heard our cries and eased our pain.

III: Come, ye who trembled for the ark,
Unite in praise for answer'd prayer;
Did not the Lord our sorrows mark?

Did not our sighing reach his ear?

IV: Then smaller griefs were laid aside,
And all our cares summ'd up in one;
"Let us but have thy word," we cried,
"In other things thy will be done."

V: Since he has granted our request,
And we still hear the gospel voice;
Although by many trials press'd,
In this we can and will rejoice.

VI: Though to our lot temptations fall,
Though pain and want and cares annoy;
The precious gospel sweetens all,
And yields us med'cine, food, and joy.