A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) ‎#278

278. Patience

Shall we grow weary in our watch,
And murmur at the long delay,
Impatient of our Father’s time
And his appointed way?

O, oft a deeper test of faith
Than prison-cell, or martyr’s stake,
The self-renouncing watchfulness
Of silent prayer may make.

We gird us bravely to rebuke
Our erring brother in the wrong;
And in the ear of pride and power
Our warning voice is strong.

Easier to smite with Peter’s sword
Than watch one hour in humbling prayer;
Life’s great things, like the Syrian lord,
Our hearts can do and dare:

But, O, we shrink from Jordan’s side,
From waters which alone can save;
And murmur for Abana’s banks
And Pharpar’s brighter wave.

O Thou, who in the garden’s shade
Didst wake thy weary ones again,
Who slumbered at that fearful hour,
Forgetful of thy pain,—

Bend o’er us now, as over them,
And set our sleep-bound spirits free,
Nor leave us slumbering in the watch
Our souls should keep with thee!

Text Information

• First Line: Shall we grow weary in our watch
• Title: Patience
• Author: Whittier
• Meter: P. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1866

Tune Information

(No tune information)