1 We wait for Thee, O Son of God,
And long for Thine appearing;
"A little while," Thou'lt come, O Lord,
Thy waiting people cheering.
Thus hast Thou said: we lift the head
In joyful expectation,
For Thou wilt bring salvation.
2 We wait for Thee, content to share,
In patience, days of trial;
So meekly Thou the cross didst bear,
Our sin, reproach, denial.
How should not we receive with Thee
The cup of shame and sorrow
Until the promises morrow?
3 We wait for Thee; for Thou, e'en here,
Hast won our hearts' affection;
In spirit still we find Thee near,
Our solace and protection.
In cloudless light, and glory bring,
We soon with joy shall greet Thee,
And in the air shall meet Thee.
4 We wait for Thee--Thou wilt arise
Whilst hope her watch is keeping,
Forgotten then, in glad surprise,
Shall be our years of weeping.
Our hearts beat high, the dawn is nigh
That ends our pilgrim story
In Thine eternal glory!
Source: A Few Hymns and Some Spiritual Songs. Selected 1856, for the Little Flock. Revised, 1881 #325