The Great Hereafter

'T is sweet to think when struggling
The goal of life to win,
That just beyond the shores of time
The better years begin.
When through the nameless ages
I cast my longing eyes,
Before me, like a boundless sea,
The Great Hereafter lies.
Along its brimming bosom
Perpetual summer smiles;
And gathers, like a golden robe,
Around the emerald isles.
There in the blue long distance,
By lulling breezes fanned,
I seem to see the flowering groves
Of old Beulah's land.
And far beyond the islands
That gem the wave serene,
The image of the cloudless shore
Of holy Heaven is seen.
Unto the Great Hereafter —
Aforetime dim and dark —
I freely now and gladly give
Of life the wandering bark.
And in the far-off haven,
When shadowy seas are passed,
By angel hands its quivering sails
Shall all be furled at last!