The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#86

86. Through the night of doubt and sorrow

1 Through the night of doubt and sorrow
Onward goes the pilgrim band,
Singing songs of expectation,
Marching to the Promised Land.
Clear before us, through the darkness,
Gleams and burns the guiding light.
Brother clasps the hand of brother,
Stepping fearless through the night.

2 One the light of God’s own presence,
O’er His ransomed people shed,
Chasing far the gloom and terror,
Brightening all the path we tread:
One the object of our journey,
One the faith which never tires,
One the earnest looking forward,
One the hope our God inspires.

3 One the strain that lips of thousands
Lift as from the heart of one;
One the conflict, one the peril,
One the march in God begun:
One the gladness of rejoicing
On the far eternal shore,
Where the One Almighty Father
Reigns in love for evermore.

4 Onward therefore, pilgrim brothers!
Onward, with the cross our aid!
Bear its shame and fight its battle,
Till we rest beneath its shade!
Soon, shall come the great awaking,
Soon the rending of the tomb,
Then the scattering of all shadows,
And the end of toil and gloom.

Text Information

• First Line: Through the night of doubt and sorrow
• Author: B. S. Ingemann (1843)
• Meter: 8, 7. 8L.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church: Its Strength and Permanence; Church of Christ; Communion of Saints; Pilgrimage

Tune Information

• Name: Through the night of doubt and sorrow
• Composer: H. Smart, 1812—79
• Meter: 8, 7. 8L.
• Key: A♭ Major