They are gathering homeward from every land, One by one, one by one ; As their weary feet touch the shining strand, Yes, one by one. Their brows are enclosed in a golden crown, Their travel-stained garments are all laid down ; And clothed in white raiment they rest in the mead, Where the Lamb doth love His saints to lead.
Gathering home, gathering home, Fording the river, one by one ; Gathering home, gathering home, Yes, one by one.
2. We, too, shall come to the river side, One by one, one by one : We are nearer its waters each eventide, Yes, one by one. To some are the floods of the river stil , As they ford on their way to the heavenly hill ! To others the waves run fiercely and wild, Yet they reach the home of the undefiled.
3. Jesus, Redeemer, we look to Thee, One by one, one by one ; We lift lip our voices tremblingly, Yes, one by one. The waves of the river are dark and cold, But we know the place where our feet shall hold ; O Thou, who didst pass through in deepest midnight, Now guide us, and send us the staff and light.