PILGRIMS, ON!

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 11, 1857

Pilgrims, on! the day is dawning, Strike your tents and homeward haste; Sleep not while the blush of morning Calls you on the desert waste, Though the way be dark and dreary, Life's sharp anguish must be borne; Courage, then, ye faint and weary, Linger not to weep and mourn.

Pilgrims, on! the storm is beating, Beating wildly on your way: Tarry not, the time is fleeting, Shall the storms your foot-steps stay? Hasten on through joy and sorrow, Let whatever may betide. Wait not for the calm to-morrow, Faithful at thy work abide.

Pilgrims, on! though darkness cover All earth's pathway to the tomb; Angels o'er thy pathway hover, 'Mid the deep surrounding gloom. Light effulgent gleams above you From the throne of glory, where Bright seraphic ones who love you, Witness all your grief and care.

Pilgrims, on! what though in dangers Life's eventful course pursue; Labor on, ye friendless strangers, Grace will guide you safely through. What if trials must befall you! What if fierce temptations rise! Shall earth's bitter strife appall you, While contending for the prize?

Pilgrims, on! the day is ending-- Life's probation day of woe; Twilight shades e'en now are blending With the sunbeam's faintest glow. Soon the night of death impending, Shall your toilsome journey end; Hope, like starlight smiles descending, Cheers while o'er the grave you bend.

Pilgrims, on! there's rest in heaven, Rest from every anxious care, Rest in Jesus' smiles, forgiven, Peaceful and eternal there O! t'were sweet to toil in sadness, O! t'were well the cross to bear, If at last in joy and gladness, We may rest forever there.—Sel.