cloudcloud

439- How Far From Home?

Early Advent

1

  • How far from home? I asked, as on
  • I bent my steps; the watchman spake:
  • "The long, dark night is almost gone,
  • The morning soon will break.
  • Then weep no more, but speed thy flight,
  • With Hope's bright star thy guiding ray,
  • Till thou shalt reach the realms of light,
  • In everlasting day."

2

  • I asked the warrior on the field;
  • This was his soul-inspiring song:
  • "With courage, bold, the sword I'll wield,
  • The battle is not long.
  • Then weep no more, but well endure
  • The conflict, till thy work is done;
  • For this we know, the prize is sure,
  • When victory is won."

3

  • I asked again; earth, sea, and sun
  • Seemed, with one voice, to make reply:
  • "Time's wasting sands are nearly run,
  • Eternity is nigh.
  • Then weep no more; with warning tones,
  • Portentous signs are thickening round,
  • The whole creation, waiting, groans,
  • To hear the trumpet sound."

4

  • Not far from home! O blessed thought!
  • The traveler's lonely heart to cheer;
  • Which oft a healing balm has brought,
  • And dried the mourner's tear.
  • Then weep no more, since we shall meet
  • Where weary footsteps never roam;
  • Our trials past, our joys complete,
  • Safe in our Father's home.