Ye shall be gathered one by one.
Isaiah 27:12
Words: Reportedly attributed to I. Cooley in Soul Songs for Sunday Schools (Boston, Massachusetts: White, Smith, & Company, 1885). Appeared in Garlands of Praise, edited by Asa Hull (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Asa Hull, 1876), pages 22–23, alt., where the lyricist is shown as Dot
(a pseudonym for Cooley?).
Music: W. R. Evans, 1876 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Cooley or Evans’ full name, or where to get good photos of them (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
One by one we are crossing the river;
Naught do we fear with our Father to guide;
Sorrow and care we are leaving behind us,
Safety we’ll find on the other side.
Refrain
Over the river, over the river,
Joyfully gathering one by one;
Peace may be found in that glorious country,
Over the river, when life is done.
One by one may our sins be forgiven;
Washed by the tears of repentance away;
Never a cloud spread a shadow in Heaven—
Entering there we’ll find endless day.
Refrain
One by one may we gather together;
When we have all reached that beautiful shore;
Mingling our voices in praise of the Father,
Living with Jesus forevermore.
Refrain