p. 1 | The Land of Rest

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1864

The Land of Rest.

THERE is a land, we know, of lasting rest and peace; It lies beyond the world's broad battle-field; Beyond the Jordan's dark and sullen stream— Far, far in the depths of yon pure amber sky. We seek that land. It hath been won for us By Him, who dying, vanquished Death and Hell. But as we onward press to reach the holy prize, Dark hosts of sin strive hard to cut us off, And warily beset our paths on every hand. “We wrestle not alone with flesh and blood, But we contend with principalities and powers.” Yet, He, the great Captain of our souls' salvation, Will guide us still, though he hath gone before; His name alone, 'bove every other name, Will give us entrance to the world of love. And when we stand before the gate of pearl, And those bright, flaming spirit-sentinels Present their burning weapons to our breast, And, firm, demand the heavenly countersign; By Thy help, tremblingly, we'll speak Thy name— “Emanuel!” And joyfully enter then the realms of bliss.

Late wandering through life's wilderness, Oft we grow weary of the toilsome march; But, courage, friends! the night is nearly spent— The never-ending day is close at hand. Soon we'll behold—to us—a glorious dawn— Soon we will see the heavenly mansions rise: There's rest and peace. It hath been won for us.