1 As lightly and sweetly we tread,
The rose-scattered pathway of youth,
We'll triumph that o'er us is spread,
The banner of mercy and truth;
We'll pour forth our praises that he,
Who liveth and reigneth above,
Forever our guardian will be,
That God, our Creator is love.
2 We know that his kindness and care
All parts of creation embrace,
That we shall especially share
The gifts of his infinite grace;
To him our thanksgivings ascend,
His blessings unlimited prove,
That he is our Father and friend,
That God, our Preserver, is love.
3 His love he revealed in his Son,
Whose mercy no bounds ever knew,
We'll praise him for all he has done,
And all he has promised to do;
In feeling, in deed, and in word,
Be governed by grace from above,
And always rejoice in the Lord,
For God, our Redeemer, is love.
Source: The Little Minstrel: a collection of songs and music, with lessons of instruction, mathematically arranged plan of notation #48