How far from home?

(one verse introduction)

"How far from home?" I asked as on
I bent my steps­­the Watchman spake:
"The long, dark nightis almost gone,
the morning soonwill break.
Then, weep no morebut speed your flight,
with Hope's bright staryour guiding ray;
'til you shall reachthe realms of light,
in everlasting day."

I asked the travelers in the way,
this was their soul­inspiring song:
"With courage bold,we'll journey today;
the road won't be too long.
Then, weep no more,but well endure,
the highway 'til your work is done.
For this we know, the prize is sure,
and victory willbe won."

I asked again; earth, sea, and sun
seemed with one voice to make reply:
"Time's wasting sands are nearly run,
eternity is nigh.
Then, weep no more,with warning tones,
portentous sights are thickening round;
the whole creation waiting groans,
to hear the trumpet sound."

Not far from home? O, blessed thought!
The traveler's lonely heart to cheer;
which oft a healing balm has brought
and dried the mourner's tear.
Then, weep no more since we shall meet
where weary footsteps never roam.
Our trials past, our joys complete,
safe in our Maker's home.

Words: Annie Rebekah Smith (19th C)
Music: Tis Midnight Hour anonymous
Sequence: Cathouse Pandemonium, Ltd