Appears in 13 hymnals First Line: With steady pace the pilgrim moves Refrain First Line: "'Tis better on before" Lyrics: 1 With steady pace the pilgrim moves
On tow’rds the blissful shore,
And sings with cheerful heart and voice,
“’Tis better on before.”
Hi passage thro’ the desert lies,
Where furious lions roar,
He takes his staff, and, smiling, cries,
“’Tis better on before.”
2 When tempted to forsake his God,
And give the contest o’er,
He hears a voice which says, “Look up,
‘Tis better on before.”
When stern afflictions clouds his cheek,
And death stands at the door,
Hope cheers him with her happiest note
“’Tis better on before.”
3 And when on Jordan’s bank he stands,
And views the radiant shore,
Bright angels whisper, “Come away!
‘Tis better on before.”
And so it is, for high in heav’n
They never suffer more;
Eternal calm succeeds the storm–
“’Tis better on before.” Used With Tune: [With steady pace the pilgrim moves]
With Steady Pace