Classic Poem

For just men light is sown
(Reward laid up in store)
Who sow in tears shall reap in joy,
And after mourn no more.
They'll one day wear a crown,
Who now the cross sustain:
In Christ our Lord no suffering
Nor labor shall be vain.

Thou art a pilgrim here:
This world is not thy home:
Then be content with pilgrim's fare
Till thou to heaven come.
What if thou tossèd art
With boisterous winds and seas.
Behold the haven where thou shalt
Enjoy long rest and ease.

Soldier, be strong, who fight'st
Under a captain stout;
Dishonour not thy conquering head
By basely giving out.
Endure a while, bear up,
And hope for better things;
War ends in peace, and morning light
Mounts upon midnight's wings.

O heaven, most holy place
Which art our country dear!
What cause have I to long for thee.
And beg with many a tear.
Earth is to me a prison;
This body an useless weight;
And all things else vile, vain, and nought
To one in such ill plight.

O Christ, make haste, from bands
Of sin and death me free,
And to those heavenly mansions
Be pleased to carry me;
Where glorifièd saints
Forever are possessed
Of God in Christ their chiefest good,
And from all troubles rest.