Steep and thorny is the way,

Straight to heaven our home ascending;

Happy he who every day

Walks therein, for Christ contending;

Happy when, his journey o’er,

Conqueror he to Christ shall soar.

Great shall be his recompense,

True to death on God who waited,

Who renounced the joys of sense,

To his Saviour consecrated;

Who has gazed with steadfast eye

On the crown of victory.

On the Cross our dying Lord

Bled for man who had offended,

Purchased us the great reward,

Then from earth to heaven ascended:

Victor e’en in death, He said,

“Father! it is finishèd.”

May we soon approach Thee near,

We who long on earth have striven!

Storms and night surround us here,

Bright and peaceful ’tis in heaven:

Death may strike, and graves may yawn,

Yonder beams life’s endless dawn.

On then, comrades, wend your way,

Let not life’s drear waste alarm you;

Look to Jesus, watch and pray

’Gainst the fight that God would arm you.

* * *

God, Who strong the weak canst make,

Victory give for Jesus’ sake.