Strangers here—
Not a link with earth unbroken,
Not a farewell to be spoken,
Waiting for their Lord to take them
To Himself, and like Him make them.
Strangers here—
With their hearts upon a treasure
That has dimmed for them earth’s pleasure,
Lamps well trimmed and brightly burning,
Eyes forever upward turning.
Strangers here—
Pilgrims through a hostile nation,
In a groaning old creation,
Journeying on through shame and scorning,
Gazing at the Star of Morning.
Strangers here—
Earthly rank and riches losing,
Worldly ties and claims refusing;
On to Christ in glory pressing,
All things there in Him possessing.
Strangers here—
But in Him their hearts arc resting,
Faith looks up in days of testing,
Follows Him with true allegiance,
Loves to walk in His obedience.
Strangers here—
Christ has told them His affection,
Giv’n them such a bright reception,
Not one word of condemnation,
Not one thought of separation.
Strangers here—
Soon to be at home together,
Going in with Christ forever;
He, who bore their deep dishonor,
Giving them His wealth and honor.
Well known there—
Oh what joy for Christ to take them
To the Father, who will make them
Welcome in His mansions yonder,
Strangers here—to be no longer.
1870.