Heavenward still our pathway tends;

Here on earth we are but strangers;

Till our road in Canaan ends,

Safely passed this wild of dangers,

Pilgrims we, a scattered band,

Seek above our Fatherland.

Heavenward still my soul ascend!

Thou art one of heaven’s creations;

Earth can ne’er give aim or end

Fit to fill thy aspirations:

Turns a heaven-illumined mind

Evermore its source to find.

Heavenward still! God’s volume blest,

Thus, throughout its sacred pages,

Calls me on, and speaks of rest,

Rest with Him through endless ages;

While my heart that call attends,

Still to heaven my path ascends.

Heavenward still my thoughts arise,

When His festal board invites me;

Then my spirit upward flies,

Foretaste then of heaven delights me:

When on earth this food has ceased

Comes the Lamb’s own Marriage-feast.

Heavenward still my spirit wends,

That fair land by faith exploring;

Heavenward still my heart ascends,

Sun and moon and stars out-soaring;

Their faint rays in vain would try

Once with light of heaven to vie.

Heavenward still, when life shall close,

Death to my true home shall guide me;

There, triumphant o’er my woes,

Lasting bliss shall God provide me;

Christ Himself the way has led,

Joyful in His steps I tread.

Still then heavenward! heavenward still!

That shall be my watchword ever!

Joys of heaven my heart shall fill,

Chasing joys that filled it never:

Heavenward still my thoughts shall run,

Till the gate of heaven is won.