Rest , Christian soldier! for the war is o'er;
The strife is ended with the victory gained.
Thy country needs thy loyal sword no more;
The Union hath to Freedom's height attained.

'Tis well that she no more hath need of thee;
For thou hast risen far beyond her call:
From sin and sorrow thou art truly free,
Holding amid the blest high festival.

We ray our tributes at thy loyal feet;
We crown thy head with Fame's immortal bays;
We hail thee in those bonds, so pure and sweet,
Which bind to God through everlasting days.

Soldier and Christian! long shall Memory keep
Thy words of patriot zeal and holy faith,
Till those who listen share thy last, long sleep,
And rise with thee victorious over death.

God shield thy lambs, and guide them to his fold,
Blessing their spirits, aiding them to bless,
And prove his promise, better far than gold,
In caring for the lone and fatherless.

And when the silent boatman comes for me,
May I, like thee, depart with holy joy,—
Launch, like thee, fearless on the unknown sea,
And anchor where the bliss hath no alloy!

Till then I'll cherish in my loyal heart
The memory of thy noble, stainless life,
And, while regretting thou shouldst soon depart,
With all true patriots joy o'er ended strife.

Farewell, O Christian soldier! sweetly rest
In the dear presence of the Prince of peace;
Waiting until thou shalt be fully blest,
As death shall give thy loved ones their release.