The White Pilgrim

Verse 1

I came to the spot where The white pilgrim lay, And pensively stood by the tomb; When in a low whisper I heard something say: "How sweetly I sleep here alone."

Verse 2

"The tempest may howl, and The wild thunders roll, And gathering storms may arise; Yet calm are my feelings, At peace is my soul, The tears are all wiped from my eyes.

Verse 3

"Go tell all the friends that To me were so dear, To weep not for one that is gone. The hand that once led me Through scenes dark and drear, Has sweetly conducted me home.

Verse 4

"The cause of my Master Propelled me from home, I bade my companion farewell; I left my sweet children, Who for me now mourn, In far distant regions to dwell.

Verse 5

"I wandered an exile And stranger below, To publish salvation abroad, The trump of the Gospel Endeavored to blow, Inviting poor sinners to God.

Verse 6

"But when among strangers, And far from my home No kindred or relative nigh, I met the contagion And sunk in the tomb, My spirit to mansions on high.

Verse 7

I called at the house of The mourner below, I entered the mansion of grief; The tears of deep sorrow Most freely did flow— I tried, but could give no relief.

Verse 8

There sat a lone widow, Dejected and sad, By troubles and sorrow oppressed; And here were the children In mourning arrayed, And sighs were escaping each breast.

Verse 9

I spoke to the widow Concerning her grief, I asked her the cause of her woe; And why there was nothing To give her relief, Or soothe her deep sorrow below.

Verse 10

She looked at her children, Then looked upon me, That look I can never forget, More eloquent far than A seraph can be, It spoke of the trials she met.

Verse 11

"The hand of affliction Falls heavily now; I’m left with my children to mourn; The friend of my youth now Lies silent and low, In yonder cold graveyard alone!

Verse 12

"But why should I mourn, or Feel bound to complain, Or think that my fortune is hard? I met with affliction— ’Tis truly his gain— He’s entered the joy of his Lord!

Verse 13

"His work is completed, And finished below; His last tear is fallen, I trust; He preached his last sermon And met his last foe; Has conquered, and now is at rest!"