O sweet home-echo on the pilgrim's way,

Thrice welcome message from a land of light!

As through a clouded sky the moonbeams stray,

So on Eternity's deep shrouded night

Streams a mild radiance, from that cheering word,

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

At home with Jesus! He who went before,

For His own people mansions to prepare;

The soul's deep longings stilled, its conflicts o'er,

All rest and blessedness with Jesus there.

What home like this can the wide earth afford?

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

With Him all gathered! to that blessed home,

Through all its windings, still the pathway tends;

While ever and anon bright glimpses come

Of that fair city where the journey ends.

Where all of bliss is centred in one word,

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

Here, kindred hearts are severed far and wide,

By many a weary mile of land and sea,

Or life's all-varied cares, and paths divide;

But yet a joyful gathering shall be,

The broken links repaired, the lost restored,

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

And is there ever perfect union here?

Ah! daily sins, lamented and confest,

They come between us and the friends most dear,

They mar our blessedness and break our rest.

With life we leave the evils long deplored:

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

All prone to error--none set wholly free

From the old serpent's soul-ensnaring chain,

The truths one child of God can clearly see,

He seeks to make his brother feel in vain;

But all shall harmonize in heaven's full chord,

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."

O blessed promise! mercifully given,

Well may it hush the wail of earthly woe;

O'er the dark passago to the gates of heaven

The light of hope and resurrection throw!

Thanks for the blessed, life-inspiring word,

"So shall we be forever with the Lord."