Church Book ‎#454

454. Heavenward still our pathway tends

1 Heavenward still our pathway tends,
Here on earth we are but strangers,
Till our road in Canaan ends,
Safely passed this wild of dangers:
Here we but as pilgrims rove,
For our home is there above.

2 Heavenward still, my soul, ascend!
Thou art one of heaven's creations;
Earth can ne'er give aim or end
Fit to fill thy aspirations;
And a heaven-enlightened mind
Ever turns, its Source to find.

3 Heavenward still! God calls to me,
In His Word so loudly speaking;
Glimpses in that Word I see
Of the home I'm ever seeking;
While my heart that call attends,
Still to heaven my path ascends.

4 Heavenward still my spirit wends,
That fair land by faith exploring;
Heavenward still my heart ascends,
Sun and moon and stars outsoaring:
Their faint rays in vain would try
With the light of heaven to vie.

5 Heavenward still, when life shall close,
Death to my true home shall guide me:
Then, triumphant o'er my woes,
Lasting bliss shall God provide me.
Christ Himself the way has led;
Joyful in His steps I tread.

6 Still then heavenward! heavenward still!
This shall be my watchword ever:
Heaven's delights my heart shall fill,
Chasing joys that filled it never.
Heavenward still my thoughts shall run,
Till the gate of heaven is won.

Text Information

• First Line: Heavenward still our pathway tends
• German Title: Himmelan geht unsere Bahn
• Translator: Frances Elizabeth Cox (1841)
• Author: Benjamin Schmolk (1731)
• Meter: 7, 8, 7.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: The Christian Life: The Heavenly Spirit; Easter Season, Fourth Sunday; Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity; Twenty Seventh Sunday after Trinity
• Notes: Alternate tune: #36 or #230

Tune Information

• Name: HOSIANNA, DAVID'S SOHN
• Meter: 7, 8, 7.
• Key: G Major
• Notes: Source from index: Goth. Cant. 1715