504 A pilgrim and a stranger

1 A pilgrim and a stranger, I journey here below, Far distant is my country, The home to which I go. Here I must toil and travel, Oft weary and oppressed, But there my God shall lead me To everlasting rest. 2 I've met with storms and danger, E'en from my early years, With enemies and conflicts, With fightings and with fears. There's nothing here that tempts me To wish a longer stay, So I must hasten forward, No halting or delay. 3 It is a well-worn pathway, Many have gone before; The holy saints and prophets, The patriarchs of yore. They trod the toilsome journey In patience and in faith; And then I fain would follow, Like them in life and death. 4 Who would share Abraham's blessing Must Abraham's path pursue. A stranger and a pilgrim, Like him, must journey through. The foes must be encountered, The dangers must be passed; Only a faithful soldier Receives the crown at last. 5 So I must hasten forwards,-- Thank God, the end will come! This land of my sojourning Is not my destined home. That evermore abideth, Jerusalem above, The everlasting city, The land of light and love. 6 There still my thoughts are dwelling, 'Tis there I long to be; Come, Lord, and call Thy servant To blessedness with Thee! Come, bid my toils be ended, Let all my wanderings cease; Call from the wayside lodging To the sweet home of peace. 7 There I shall dwell for ever, No more a stranger guest, With all Thy blood-bought children, In everlasting rest: The pilgrim toils forgotten, The pilgrim conflicts o'er, All earthly griefs behind us, Eternal joys before!