Scripture Verse

Hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Hebrews 6:19

Introduction

Words & Mu­sic: Sep­ti­mus Win­ner, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc). Hym­nals oft­en list the au­thor as Al­ice Haw­thorne, one of Win­ner’s pseu­do­nyms.

portrait
Septimus Winner (1827–1902)

Lyrics

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Refrain

Whispering hope, oh how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

If, in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day.

Refrain

Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Mas­ter has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal.
Come then, O come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart;
Come, O Thou blest hope of glo­ry,
Never, O ne­ver depart.

Refrain