p. 191 | THE PILGRIM BAND; by Gettie W. Davis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1872

THE PILGRIM BAND;

By Gettie W. Davis

Methinks I see a lowly band Of pilgrims bound for the better land, O'er a rugged way they have wandered long, And their feet are pierced with many a thorn.

Weary and worn, they journey on, Yet they heed it not, for their hearts are strong. By faith they view that distant shore, As they sing of its glories o'er and o'er.

But I see them pause, as they pass along ’Mid pleasure’s scenes, and its giddy throng, And beckon them with eager hand To swell their songs, and join their band.

They tell of a dying Saviour’s love, Of the city of light that awaits above, Its fadeless flowers, its holy joys, And its endless bliss that never cloys.

But it seems a straight and narrow way, ’Mid earthly joys they fain would stay, And weave their garlands of fading flowers, And revel in folly’s sylvan bowers.

They cannot leave an honored name, The gilded baubles of wealth and fame, To bow ’neath the cross the Saviour bore, Or walk the path he has trod before.

The band is nearing its journey’s end, Angel’s their footsteps now attend, As bursts upon the expectant eye, The glories of eternity.

Those pearly gates, those streets of gold, Those wondrous beauties all unfold, And they hail with rapturous delight Those shining portals of radiant light.

Angelic hosts their welcome sing, And loud the heavenly arches ring, With songs more sweet than tongue can tell, Their harps they tune, their voices swell.

Earth’s bitter strife and cares are past, They have reached their long-sought home at last, And they gaze on their Saviour’s smiling face, And sing of his matchless love and grace.

Oh, glorious change! from sin set free, All clothed with immortality, With countless throngs of angels bright, Around the throne, they walk in white.

GETTIE W. DAVIS. Battle Creek, Mich.