“Whither, O! whither?”— “With blind-folded eyes,
Down a wild torrent, under stormy skies,
A gulf between two dark eternities,
Drifting, we know not where!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Life’s short pleasures past,
Hope’s funeral knell sounding on every blast,
Heaven’s entrance closed, to ruin hurried fast,
A leaf before the wind!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Who the path can say
To where some star will lend a cheering ray?
Or through earth’s labyrinth direct our way,
So wildly sought in vain!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Terrible reply
From you white throne of judgment in the sky;
Depart, accursed! from My presence fly
Forever! Awful word!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “To a land of light,
A home of loveliness, serene and bright,
Joyfully hastening with steady flight,
Our hearts before us there!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Pilgrims near their home,
No longer in a foreign land to roam;
Bright and beloved ones, waiting till we come,
All sorrow left behind!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Christ, the Risen One,
Through life and death, hath now to glory gone;
He sends His messengers to lead us on,
The way is sure and plain!”
“Whither, O! whither?”— “Washed from earthly stain,
No more to wander, or to fall again:
Forever with the Father to remain,
Forever with the Lord!”