Encouragement

Time was whene’er the saints I met

With joy and praise my bosom glowed;

But now like Eli sad I sit,

And tremble for the ark of God.

While thus to grief my soul gave way,

To see the work of God decline,

Methoght I heard my Saviour say,

“Dismiss thy fears, the ark is mine.

“Though for a time I hid My face,

Rely upon My love and power;

Still wrestle at a throne of grace,

And wait for a reviving hour.

“Take down thy long-neglected harp,

I’ve seen thy tears and heard thy prayer;

The winter season has been sharp,

But spring shall all its wastes repair.”

Lord, I obey, my hopes revive.

Come join with me, ye saints, and sing;

Our foes in vain against us strive,

For God will help and healing bring.

John Newton