XV. The Pilgrim's Song

1 Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings,
Thy better portion trace;
Rise from transitory things,
Tow'rds heav'n thy native place:
Sun, and moon and stars decay,
Time shall soon this earth remove;
Rise, my soul, and haste away
To seats prepar'd above.

2 Rivers to the ocean run,
Nor stay in all their course:
Fire ascending seeks the sun,
Both speed them to their source:
So a soul that's born of God,
Pants to view his glorious face;
Upwards tends to his abode,
To rest in his embrace.

3 Fly me riches, fly me cares,
While I that coast explore;
Flatt'ring world, with all thy snares,
Solicit me no more.
Pilgrims fix not here their home;
Strangers tarry but a night,
When the last dear morn is come,
They'll rise to joyful light.

4 Cease, ye pilgrims, cease to mourn,
Press onward to the prize;
Soon our Saviour will return,
Triumphant in the skies:
Yet a season and you know
Happy entrance will be given,
All our sorrows cast below,
And earth exchang'd for heav'n.

Text Information
First Line: Rise, my soul, and stretch thy wings
Title: The Pilgrim's Song
Language: English
Publication Date: 1783
Notes: For AMSTERDAM
Tune Information
(No tune information)



Media
More media are available on the text authority page.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us