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The Lone Pilgrim (The White Pilgrim) 341
Tune: Arranged by Benjamin Franklin White, 1850
Alto: Miss Minnie Floyd, 1902
Lyrics: John Ellis, 1838
Meter: 11s,8s (11,8,11,8)
I came to the place where the lone pilgrim lay,
And pensively stood by his tomb,
When in a low whisper I heard something say,
“How sweetly he sleeps here alone.”
The tempest may howl, and the loud thunders roar,
And gathering storms may arise,
Yet calm are his feelings, at rest is his soul,
The tears are all wiped from his eyes.
The cause of his Master propelled him from home;
He bade his companion farewell;
He blessed his dear children who for him now mourn,
In far distant regions they dwell.
He wandered an exile and stranger from home,
No kindred or relative nigh;
He met the contagion and sank to the tomb,
His soul flew to mansions on high.
O tell his companions and children most dear,
To weep not for him now he's gone;
The same Hand that led him thro' scenes most severe,
Has kindly assisted him home.
Elder Joseph Thomas (1791-1835), of the New England Christian denomination, customarily wore white and called himself “The White Pilgrim.” He died of smallpox and is buried in Johnsonburg, New Jersey.