A Pilgrim and a Stranger

Verse 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 opprest,
But there my God shall lead me To everlasting rest.

Verse 2 I've met with storm 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 forwards, No halting or delay.

Verse 3 It is a wellworn pathway; A host has gone before,
The holy saints and prophets, The patriarchs of yore.
They trod the toilsome journey In patience and in faith;
And them I fain would follow, Like them in life and death.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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 wand'rings cease;
Call from the wayside lodging, To the sweet home of peace!

Verse 7 There I shall dwell forever, No more a stranger guest,
With all Thy bloodbought children In everlasting rest.
The pilgrim toils forgotten, The pilgrim conflicts o'er,
All earthly griefs behind us, Eternal joys before!