[Main] [Poetry Index]* [Poets] 1991 Denson Revision: [Titles] [Pages] [First Lines]* 2012 Cooper Revision: [Titles] [Pages] [First Lines]*
* Index of the First Line of Each Stanza, the Fifth Line of Eight Line Stanzas, and the First Line of the Chorus

RISE my Soul, and stretch thy Wings,

The PILGRIM'S SONG.

Poet: Robert Seagrave, 1742; Alt. by 1748
Meter: Particular Meter: 7,6,7,6,7,7,7,6
Location in The Sacred Harp
Stanza Denson Cooper
1
RISE my Soul, and stretch thy Wings,
Thy better Portion trace;
Rise from transitory Things,
Tow'rds Heav'n thy native Place.
Sun and Moon, and Stars decay,
Time shall soon this Earth remove;
Rise, my Soul, and haste away
To Seats prepar'd above.
Amsterdam 84, Stanza 1
2
Rivers to the Ocean run,
Nor stay in all their Course;
Fire ascending seeks the Sun,
Both speed them to their Source.
So my Soul deriv'd from God,
Pants to view his glorious Face;
Forward tends to his Abode,
To rest in his Embrace.
Amsterdam 84, Stanza 2
3
Fly me Riches, fly me Cares,
Whilst I that Coast explore;
Flatt'ring World, with all thy snares,
Solicit me no more.
Pilgrims fix not here their Home;
Strangers tarry but a Night,
When the last dear Morn is come,
They'll rise to joyful Light.

4
Cease, ye Pilgrims, cease to mourn,
Press onward to the Prize;
Soon our Saviour will return
Triumphant in the Skies.
Yet a season and you know
Happy Entrance will be giv'n,
All our Sorrows left below,
And Earth exchang'd for Heav'n.

This hymn poem is a rewritten variation of EARTH, and Sun, and Stars decay,, Robert Seagrave in 1742.
Sedgwick, Daniel. Hymns and Spiritual Songs, for Christian Worship by the Rev. Robert Seagrave, M.A. with a Sketch of His Life and Writings. London: Daniel Sedgwick, 1860.