Christ My Song - 444

Long hast thou wept and sorrowed - After many farewells
(Meta Heusser-Schweizer/Jane Laurie Borthwick/
Johannes Thomas Rüegg)

After many farewells.

1. Long hast thou wept and sorrowed,
poor heart! now dry thy tears;
behold, with light and comfort
Jesus himself appears. (PDF - Midi)

2. All other hope must perish,
all earthly props decay;
then let the seed be buried,
the husk be blown away.

3. Yet think not God has granted
but to recall again, –
his gifts of love and goodness
shall ever thine remain.

4. The seed, before it flourish,
must low in darkness lie;
and love, to live for ever,
must for a season die.

5. But those like thee, bereavèd
within earth's darkened home,
are rich in many promise
and pledge of joys to come.

6. "Trust in my mercy ever,
my people!" saith the Lord;
hold fast in deepest sorrow
that soul-sustaining word.

7. The harvest-day is hasting,
the rest from toil and pain,
when those who sleep in Jesus
shall come with him again.

8. And, more than all the treasures
that morning shall restore,
himself, himself shall meet thee,
thy portion evermore!

9. Then rest, sad heart, in patience,
with this petition, still,
"Lord, all these vacant places
with thine own fullness fill!"