Man is but a transient being

And a pilgrim here below,

Like a shadow, swiftly fleeing,

Like the days that come and go.

He must pass through death’s dark portal,

To obtain that life immortal

Which on yonder blissful shore

Blooms in glory evermore.

So I willingly surrender

To the Lord my fleeting breath,

Knowing that His love so tender

Will allay all fear of death.

In His wounds there is redemption

And His death assures exemption

From the punishment of sin

And the sense of guilt within.

Jesus died upon the mountain,

There His precious blood was spilt.

Now an ever flowing fountain

Cleanseth me from all my guilt.

Hence my soul, endowed with pinions,

Leaves for heaven’s fair dominions,

There in blissful joy to see

God, the holy Trinity.

In those fair celestial regions

All is life and peace and joy.

Souls are there in countless legions,

Happy in the Lord’s employ.

There bright Seraphim are dwelling,

Who, in majesty excelling,

Praise with heaven’s mighty host

Father, Son and Holy Ghost

There the patriarchs are living,

There the prophets all abide.

There, to Jesus homage giving,

His apostles, too, reside.

There the Lord’s whole congregation

Has a place of habitation.

There, to honor God, their King,

All their hallelujahs sing.

O thou city of the sainted,

Heavenly Jerusalem!

How thy beauty is untainted,

Sparkling like a precious gem!

What soft music there is sounding,

What sweet joys are there abounding!

Night shall never follow day,

But the sun shall reign for aye.

Ah, mine eyes have seen the glory

Of that city fair and high,

And mine ears have heard the story

Of those mansions in the sky.

Now the pure white robe of heaven

And a crown to me are given,

Now that light of joy is mine

Which shall never cease to shine.