They Whose Course on Earth Is O’er

They whose course on earth is o’er

Think they of their breth­ren more?

They be­fore the throne who bow

Feel they for their breth­ren now?

We

by en­emies dis­tressed

They in para­dise at rest;

We the cap­tives—they the freed—

We and they are one in­deed.

One in all we seek or shun

One—be­cause our Lord is one;

One in heart and one in love—

We be­low

and they ab­ove.

Those whom ma­ny a land di­vides

Many mount­ains

ma­ny tides

Have they with each oth­er part

Fellowship of heart with heart?

Each to each may be un­known

Wide apart their lots be thrown;

Differing tongues their lips may speak

One be strong

and one be weak—

Yet in sac­ra­ment and pray­er

Each with oth­er hath a share;

Hath a share in tear and sigh

Watch and fast

and li­ta­ny.

Saints de­part­ed ev­en thus

Hold com­mun­ion still with us;

Still with us

be­yond the veil

Praising

plead­ing with­out fail.

With them still our hearts we raise

Share their work and join their praise

Rendering wor­ship

thanks and love

To the Tri­ni­ty ab­ove.