Pilgrims, on! the day is dawning

Pilgrims, on! the day is dawning;Strike your tents, and homeward haste:Sleep not while the blush of morningCalls you on the desert waste.Though the way be dark and dreary,Life's sharp anguish must be borne;Courage, then ye faint and weary,Linger not to weep and mourn.

Pilgrims, on! the storm is beating,Beating wildly on your way:Tarry not, the time is fleeting;Shall the storm your footsteps stay?Hasten on, through joy and sorrow,Or whatever may betide,Wait not for the calm to-morrow,Faithful at your work abide.

Pilgrims, on! what though in dangers,Life's eventful course pursue;Labor on, ye friendless strangers,Grace will guide you safely through.What if trials must befall you!What if fierce temptations rise!Shall earth's bitter strife appall youWhile contending for the prize?

Pilgrims, on! there 's rest in heaven,Rest from every anxious care,Rest in Jesus' smiles, forgiven,Peaceful and eternal there,O, 't were sweet to toil in sadness,O, 't were well the cross to bear,If, at last in joy and gladness,We may rest forever there!