Sweet Songster hymn book

I have begun to using the hymn books Sweet Songster (1854), as well as the Thomas Hymnal, in my personal worship at home. This morning I read/sang # 19:

"A trav'ling pilgrim, here I am." (Sweet Songster, Hymn # 19).​

Stanzas 1-6 of my print copy of the Sweet Songster, # 19, correspond to stanzas 1-3 of The Western Harp: A Collection of Social and Revival Hymns, # 146. (1867).

I can only guess that stanzas 7-10 of "A trav'ling pilgrim" must have been added by Edward W. Billups for the Sweet Songster, # 19, sometime before 1854.

*****

I ran across an interesting blog post about the hymn book Sweet Songster written by R.H. Vaughn, a member here at Baptist Board.

A Singer and His Songs: E. W. Billups and the Sweet Songster (October 19, 2016).

Thank you R. H. Vaughn.

*****

I also came across this bibliographic entry for the Sweet Songster from the Special Collections of Belk Library, Appalachian Collection, Appalachian State University, Western North Carolina Library Network.

*****

Does Mr. Vaughn, or any other Baptist Board member, have additional information about "A trav'ling pilgirm," Sweet Songster, # 19?

 

Mr. Vaughn, thank you again.

 

And for the song.

Using my copy of The Sweet Songster, here are the words to hymn # 19.
I agree with RL Vaughn, I see a definite break in style beginning with stanza 7.

(1)
A TRAV'LING pilgrim, here I am,
And aiming for bright glory;
I seek a country out of sight --
A rest that's for the weary.
(2)
I cast this world behind my back,
No more to seek its pleasures --
Set out to trace a narrow track,
And gain a better treasure.
(3)
At me the wicked laugh and scorn,
And sinners do deride me;
They count me lost, and quite forlorn,
But Jesus he will guide me.
(4)
Sometimes I weep, sometimes I mourn,
Sometimes I sing sweet glory;
Sometimes I'm sad, sometimes I glad --
I long to tell my story.
(5)
Amazed, this world in wonder stands,
And cannot tell the meaning,
While I rejoice, and lift my hands,
And then I'm heard complaining.
(6)
They're strangers to the pilgrims' joys,
And strangers to their sorrows --
I have a home above the skies,
Where Jesus saves from terrors.
(7)
I want to live a Christian here --
I want to die a-shouting --
I want to feel my Saviour near,
When soul and body's parting.
(8)
I want to see bright angels stand,
All ready to receive me,
And bear my soul to Canaan's land,
Where Christ is gone before me.
(9)
I want to meet my brethern there,
And all my faithful sisters;
Where Jesus smiles, our souls will cheer,
All ready now, he whispers.
(10)
Come up and dwell with saints above,
And sing sweet grace redeeming,
And reign in fields of endless love,
Where glory's ever beaming.

Source:
The Sweet Songster, A Collection of the
Most Popular and Approved
Songs, Hymns and Ballads.

Edward W. Billups, author, compiler (1854 edition).
Frank Blevins, publisher (2005 edition).

 

A few years ago, when I was looking to find rest for my soul, an Elder in an Old Regular Baptist church suggested their hymn books to me: Sweet Songster and Thomas Hymnal. They are a blessing.

Thus saith the Lord,
Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths,
where is the good way, and walk therein,
and ye shall find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16; KJV).​

 

Thank you for what you have done, and continue to do, to preserve Baptist history.

I look forward to spending more time in your blog.