_On Jordan's Strand._ (1146)
My days are gliding swiftly by,
And I a pilgrim stranger,
Would not detain them as they fly,
Those hours of toil and danger.
Cho.--For, oh! we stand on Jordan's strand,
Our friends are passing over;
And, just before, the shining shore
We may almost discover.
2 We'll gird our loins, my brethren dear!
Our heav'nly home discerning;
Our absent Lord has left us word,--
"Let ev'ry lamp be burning."
3 Should coming days be cold and dark,
We need not cease our singing;
That perfect rest none can molest,
Where golden harps are ringing.
4 Let sorrow's rudest tempest blow,
Each cord on earth to sever;
Our King says,--"Come!" and there's our home,
Forever, oh! forever!
David Nelson, 1835.