We are sailing down Life’s river—
Sailing onward day by day,
Onward, through the misty shadows
That, so dark, obscure the way.
Soon we shall be beckoned homeward,
There to meet with those we know
In that grand and glorious city
Where no sorrows ever go.
We are drifting with the ripples,—
As they bear our barque along
We can catch in fitful accents
Echoes from the angels song.—
And we see the dim reflection
Of that bright celestial strand;
Where the bowers are ever blooming
In that peaceful, happy land.
We know not how soon we’ll anchor
Where bright gems adorn the shore—
Where the living waters murmur,
And the breakers moan no more.—
But we’ll reach the pearly portal
And we’ll lay our armor down;
Casting all our burdens from us
’Neath the shelter of a crown.
Near the Throne of Love e’er dwelling,
Sheltered safe from every woe;
No more sorrow, no more weeping,
Naught but glory shall we know.
There we shall be ever happy
In the mansion of the blest;
Blessed be the peace eternal—
Blessed is the sweet word—Rest.
LOVED ONES PASSED AWAY
Within our home so cheerful
Where all is warm and bright;
Sometimes our hearts grow tearful,
And to darkness turns the light.
We see not the joys that surround us—
We heed not our friends bright and gay;
For memories, come crowding around us
Of loved ones passed away.
Without, the old home is the same,
Yet within, there is a change;
And feelings which we cannot name
Steal o’er us, sad and strange.
We see the dear forms of long ago,
Illume the twilight gray,—
Yet the darksome silence whispers low
Of loved ones passed away.