A Pilgrim and a Stranger
Words and music by Paul Gerhardt · tr. Jane Laurie Borthwick · 1666
Key of C · 100 BPM · 4/4 · Hope,Assurance,Church · Ps 39:12
Verse 1
A Pilgrim and a stranger, I journey here below;
Far distant is my country The home to which I go.
Here I must toil and travel, Oft weary and opprest,
But there my God shall lead me To everlasting rest.
Verse 2
I've met with storm and danger, E'en from my early years,
With enemies and conflicts, With fightings and with fears.
There's nothing here that tempts me To wish a longer stay,
So I must hasten forwards, No halting or delay.
Verse 3
It is a well worn pathway, Many have gone before:
The holy saints and prophets, The patriarchs of yore.
They trod the toilsome journey In patience and in faith;
And them I fain would follow, Like them in life and death!
Verse 4
Who would share Abr'm's blessing, Must Abr'm's path pursue,
A stranger and a pilgrim, Like him, must journey through.
The foes must be encountered, The dangers must be passed;
Only a faithful soldier Receives the crown at last.
Verse 5
So I must hasten forwards Thank God, the end will come!
This land of my sojourning Is not my destined home.
That ever more abideth, Jerusalem above,
The everlasting city, The land of light and love.
Public domain in the United States (best-effort). Free for every use, including commercial — no license needed. Other countries may differ.