ONE SWEETLY SOLEMN THOUGHT.
Reading edition
One sweetly solemn thought Comes to me o'er and o'er: I'm nearer home to-day Than I have been before; Nearer my Father's house, Where many mansions be, Nearer the great white throne, Nearer the crystal sea. Nearer the bound of life, Where burdens are laid down, Nearer to leave the cross, And nearer to the crown; But lying dark between, And winding through the night, The deep and unknown stream Crossed ere we reach the light. Jesus, confirm my trust; Strengthen the hand of faith To feel Thee, when I stand Upon the shore of death. Be near me when my feet Are slipping o'er the brink; For I am nearer home, Perhaps, than now I think. —Phœbe Cary.