Classic Poem

Now, in this our pilgrim day,
Brothers, it is we and they :
We upon the weary road,
They at rest with Christ in God.

We with conflicts compass'd round,
Victors they with glory crown'd;
We mid shadows of the tomb,
They within the light of home.

Yet with quicken'd steps we press
Through the thorny wilderness,
While on earth we sing of them
Singing in Jerusalem.

For the angels to and fro
Ply their tasks above, below,
And by countless ministries
Knit our tents and Paradise.

Nearer yet, One Spirit bears
Witness in our hearts and theirs;
Day by day we kneel and meet,
Children at One Father's feet;

Nearer yet, the Bridegroom's voice
Bids His drooping ones rejoice:
Tears are dried and grief is dumb
Listening His " Behold, I come. "

Then no longer we and they ,
Former things all past away:
Then no more that world and this,
One abode of perfect bliss.

We the circle of His own;
We the Bride upon His Throne;
One indissoluble we ,
Ever, Jesu Lord, with Thee.