Gospel Praise Book. ‎#178

178. The Happy Pilgrim

1 I saw a happy pilgrim
On Zion’s shining road,
Exulting as he journey’d—
His face with rapture glowed;
He’d passed thro’ fi’ry trials
But only lost the dross,
And all his heavy burdens
He’d left beneath the cross.

Chorus:
Shouting victory! victory!
Vict’ry through the Lamb!
Shouting victory! victory!
All glory to His name.

2 The summer sun was scorching,
But as he traveled on,
His head was overshadowed
Until the heat was gone;
He walked and talked with Jesus,
And leaning on His breast,
His sheltering wings above him,
He found the sweetest rest. [Chorus]

3 And soon he came to Beulah,
Where all the air is love,
Where sweet refreshing breezes
Comes from the world above;
He heard celestial music—
The grand triumphant song
Of ransomed ones in glory—
The holy, blood-washed throng. [Chorus]

4 I saw him in the valley
Death’s shadow drawing nigh,
And still he sang exulting,
For it “is gain to die;”
And when to Jordan’s river
The pilgrim’s feet had come,
‘Twas but a step to cross it,
And he was safe at home. [Chorus]

5 Then, at the pearly portals
I saw the white-robed band
Greet him with shouts of welcome
Into the glory-land!
O, then, what rapture thrilled him
To look on Jesus’ face,
And cast his crown before Him,
Who saved him by His grace. [Chorus]

Text Information

• First Line: I saw a happy pilgrim
• Title: The Happy Pilgrim
• Author: Mary D. James
• Refrain First Line: Shouting victory! victory
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1885

Tune Information

• Name: [I saw a happy pilgrim]
• Composer: W. Church, Jr.