439   How Far From Home?




[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.