In heaven all is gladness;
Here troubles press and fears
Here often bowed and sighing,
I eat the bread of tears,
Here joy and sorrow mingle
For Christ's beloved bride
But 'tis not so up yonder,
For there doth joy abide.

This world is not my homeland,
In tents I pass my days;
At yonder shore of glory
With yearning eyes I gaze.
While seeks the world its follies,
I view yon citadel,
Where, free from care and sorrow,
Forever I shall dwell.

Would I exchange conditions
With one, whose all's below?
Nay, rather I’d be sowing
Good seed, though tears may flow.
lf at my journey's ending
I but in joy may reap,
When worldly joys are over,
And some, too late, must weep.

My hope for life eternal
Rests on foundation sure,
My cross I therefore gladly
Will yet awhile endure,
Soon there shall be no sorrow,
No plaints, nor sighs for me,
When, with uncovered vision,
My Savior I shall see.