With steady pace the pilgrim moves

With steady pace the pilgrim moves To-wards the blissful shore, And sings with cheerful heart and voice, "' Tis better on before."

His passage through a desert lies Where furious lions roar; He takes his staff, and, smiling, says, "' Tis better on before."

When tempted to forsake his God And give the contest o'er, He hears a voice which says, " Look up! ' Tis better on before."

When stern affliction clouds his cheek, And want stands at the door, Hope cheers him with her sunniest note, "' Tis better on before."

And if on Jordan's bank he stands, And sees the radiant shore, Bright angels whisper, " Come away! ' Tis better on before."

And so it is, for high in heaven They never suffer more; Eternal calm succeeds the storm; "' Tis better on before!"