"Oh! how blessed are ye, saints forgiven,

Through the gate of death now safe in heaven,

All trials over,

All the ills, which round us darkly hover!"

"Yes, dear friends, our joys are still increasing,

Our songs of praise are new and never ceasing,

All preparing

For the time when you shall all be sharing."

"We are now as in a prison dwelling,

Storms of care and trouble o'er us swelling;

All around us

Only sins and griefs, to snare and wound us."

"Ah, beloved friends! be not complaining,

Wish not joy while still on earth remaining,

Be still confiding

In your Father's love and tender guiding."

"In your quiet home so gently resting,

For evermore from all molesting,

No care or sorrow

Can you feel to-day, or fear to-morrow!"

"In your conflicts we were once engaging,

Long with sin and Satan warfare waging;

All your distresses

Once were ours, to weary, and oppress us."

"Christ has wiped away your every tear;

You enjoy what we are seeking here,

The harps of heaven

Sound in strains to mortals never given."

"Yet in patience run the race before you,

Long for heaven, where Love is watching o'er you:

Sow in weeping--

Soon the fruit with joy you shall be reaping."

"Come, come quickly, long expected Jesus,

From all sin and sorrow to release us,

Quickly take us

To Thyself, and blest for ever make us!"

"Ah, beloved souls! your palms victorious,

Golden harps, and thrones of triumph glorious,

All are waiting:

Follow on with courage unabating."

"Let us join to praise His name for ever,

To us both of every good the Giver.

Life undying

We shall each obtain, on Him relying.

"Praise Him, men on earth, and saints in heaven!

To the Lamb be praise and glory given--

Praise unending,

Glory through eternity extending!"