To A Departed Friend

Written for Brother John Nelson

T’is a rough, rocky road we all travel,
Through life and down through the years.
And there’s little of smoothness and sunshine
As we pass through this Earth’s vale of tears.
We work and we toil hard and struggle
For the things we must have every day.
And the more we long for a treasure.
The greater the price we must pay.

We’re just one of the throng that is staggering
‘Neath sorrow and cares heavy load.
And we’re trying to see through the darkness,
The end, or a turn in the road.
Where we can lay down our great burden
When life’s sun sets low in the west,
And can see through the deepening shadows
Our Father’s bright mansions of rest.

Our dear one, here lying has carried
The same heavy burden and load
Through darkness and rough rocky places
Till he came to a turn in the road.
And through the dark mists gathering round him
A gleam of bright light he could see
While voices of angels called softly
“Thou faithful one, come unto me”

“Lay down your cross and your burden
Rest now your tired weary feet
Shake off the shackles which bound you
Prepare now your Savior to meet.”
Music and flowers and gladness
Happiness, joy all untold
Shine from their faces as loved ones
Welcome him home to the fold.

Grieve not dear ones that he's left us
Rather rejoice with the rest.
That he has lain down his great burden
Entered the land of the blessed.
No more his footsteps will falter
Under the load he must bear.
Now he's at home with our Father
Freed from all sorrow and care.

There is no death for the faithful
Only a sure cease from strife.
Shedding the clay of the mortals
Gaining the newness of life.
Oh, may we hear Father saying
When comes our final reward.
"Faithful and true though has served me,
Enter the joy of Thy Lord."

Mary Emily Gould Canova North Hollywood, California August 31, 1929

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