This has apparently not been posted at Mudcat before, although it has been mentioned as the original on which MINER'S LIFEGUARD was based. The correct original title is LIFE'S RAILWAY TO HEAVEN, though it is sometimes known as LIFE IS LIKE A MOUNTAIN RAILROAD or ...RAILWAY.

From On Wings of Song by George C. Hugg (Philadelphia: Geo. C. Hugg, 1896), page 55:


LIFE'S RAILWAY TO HEAVEN.
"Respectfully dedicated to Railroad Men."
Words, M. E. Abbey. Music, Charlie D. Tillman.

1. Life is like a mountain railroad, with an engineer that's brave.
We must make the run successful from the cradle to the grave.
Watch the curves, the fills, the tunnels. Never falter; never quail.
Keep your hand upon the throttle and your eye upon the rail.

CHORUS: Blessed Saviour, Thou wilt guide us till we reach that blissful shore,
Where the angels wait to join us in Thy praise forevermore.

2. You will roll up grades of trial. You will cross the bridge of strife.
See that Christ is your Conductor on this lightning train of life.
Always mindful of obstruction, do your duty; never fail.
Keep your hand upon the throttle and your eye upon the rail.

3. You will often find obstructions. Look for storms of wind and rain.
On a fill, or curve, or trestle, they will almost ditch your train.
Put your trust alone in Jesus. Never falter; never fail.
Keep your hand upon the throttle and your eye upon the rail.

4. As you roll across the trestle spanning Jordan's swelling tide,
You behold the Union Depot into which your train will glide.
There you'll meet the Superintendent, God the Father, God the Son,
With the hearty, joyous plaudit, "Weary pilgrim, welcome home."

[Note: This song can also be found in the CyberHymnal a.k.a. NetHymnal. There it says the song was copyrighted in 1890, and that Eliza R. Snow may have had a hand in writing the lyrics.]

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http://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/058/111b