'Twas in the days of vernal prime

1 'Twas in the days of vernal prime,
My love to Christ was giv'n;
And now, in age's wintry time,
My hopes are fix'd on heav'n.
The world upon me threw its smiles,
To gain my youthful heart;
But I was saved from Satan's wiles,
I chose the better part.
I chose the better part,
I chose the better part.
But I was saved from Satan's wiles,
I chose the better part.

2 Wherever roved my pilgrim feet,
O'er mountain, plain, or sea,
Through winter's storm, and summer's heat,
His care was still with me:
His love, my solace and my stay,
Still dwelt within my heart;
My feet were kept in wisdom's way--
I chose the better part.

3 And now, my wanderings almost done,
I wait the welcome word,
To mount above the burning sun,
And meet my faithful Lord.
Oh! blessed power of saving grace,
That kept my roving heart;
It gave my hopes a resting-place:
I chose the better part.

4 That better part on me bestow'd,
No power can force from hence;
Christ is my Saviour and my God,
My soul's secure defence;
Even death itself can not remove
This treasure from my heart,
But I shall reign with Christ above,
And share that better part.

Source: The Minstrel of Zion: a book of religious songs, accompanied with appropriate music, chiefly original #48