Till then

Tim Challies' college age son, Nick, died recently. Today he writes about him in "Goodnight Till Then," referring to the refrain of an old hymn, unfamiliar to me, that I suspect was most often sung at funerals.

I journey forth rejoicing From this dark vale of tears; To heav’nly joy and freedom, From earthly bonds and fears; Where Christ, our Lord, shall gather All his redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit, Good night, till then! Refrain: Good night, good night, good night till then!	I go to see his glory, Whom we have loved below; I go, the blessed angels, The holy saints to know, Our lovely ones departed, I go to find again; I wait for you to join us, Good night, till then! Refrain: Good night, good night, good night till then!
Why thus so sadly weeping, Beloved ones of my heart? The Lord is good and gracious, Tho’ now he bids us part; Oft have we met in gladness, And we shall meet again, All sorrow left behind us, Good night, till then! Refrain: Good night, good night, good night till then!	I hear the Saviour calling— The joyful hour is come; The angel-guards are ready, To guide me to our home, Where Christ, our Lord, shall gather All his redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit, Good night, till then! Refrain: Good night, good night, good night till then!