Despised Pilgrims

1WHAT poor despised company
Of travelers are these,
Who walk in yonder narrow way,
Along the rugged maze?

2Ah, these are of a royal line,
All children of a King.
Heirs of immortal crowns divine,
And lo! For joy they sing.

3Why do they then appear so mean,
And why so much despis'd?
Because of their rich robes unseen,
The world is not appriz'd.

4But why keep they that narrow road,
That rugged thorny maze?
Why, that's the way their Leader trod,–
They love and keep his ways.

5Why do they shun the pleasing path,
That worldlings love so well?
Because that is the road to death,
The open road to hell.

6What, is there then no other road
To Salem's happy ground?
Christ is the only way to God,
No other can be found.