The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.
Habakkuk 2:3
Words: Horatius Bonar, in the Quarterly Journal of Prophecy, Volume 24, June 1872, page 208, alt.
Music: Alleyne J. T. Nickens, 1910 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know Nickens’ full name, or where to get a good photo of him (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
It tarries long, and seems to say,
God hath forgotten me.
Yet shall it come, and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.
It seemeth sad so long to watch,
Thus tossed on stormy sea;
But day shall break, and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.
So tired of sin and strife, the soul
Cries out in vain to Thee;
Yet not in vain; deliverance comes;
Good shall the answer be.
The night is long, the sky is dark,
In fear we bow the knee,
We plead for light; it comes at last—
Good shall the answer be.
The battle goes against us, yet,
We fight and will not flee;
Help, Lord! He hears: and when it comes
Good shall the answer be.
How long! the widowed Church thus pleads
In hours of agony.
But not in vain; her cry is heard;
Good shall the answer be.
How long! Creation cries in bonds,
Still longing to be free!
The groan is heard; and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.