Shall we grow weary in our watch

Shall we grow weary in our watch

Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
Tune: TRUST (Torrance)
Published in 18 hymnals

Representative Text

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!



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

Author: John Greenleaf Whittier

Whittier, John Greenleaf, the American Quaker poet, was born at Haverhill, Massachusetts, Dec. 17, 1807. He began life as a farm-boy and shoemaker, and subsequently became a successful journalist, editor and poet. In 1828 he became editor of the American Manufacturer (Boston), in 1830 of the New England Review, and an 1836 (on becoming Secretary to the American Anti-Slavery Society) of the Pennsylvania Freeman. He was also for some time, beginning with 1847, the corresponding editor of the National Era. In 1840 he removed to Amesbury, Massachusetts, where most of his later works have been written. At the present time [1890] he lives alternately at Amesbury and Boston. His first poetical piece was printed in the Newburyport Free Press in 182… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Shall we grow weary in our watch
Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

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Instances

Instances (1 - 18 of 18)
Text

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

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A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion. (10th ed.) #278

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Common Praise #450

Hymns for Schools and Families #d131

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Hymns for Schools and Families #88

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Hymns of the Christian Centuries #192

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Hymns of the Church Universal #111

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Hymns of the Spirit #541

Lyra Sacra Americana #d168

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The Christian Hymn Book #896

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The Pilgrim Hymnal #118

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The Pilgrim Hymnal #131

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The Presbyterian Book of Praise #44

The Presbyterian Book of Praise #44

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The Riverdale Hymn Book #385

The Tabernacle #d272

Unitarian Service Book, and Hymns for Church and Home. Abridged ed. #d372

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Worship Song #379

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