Hymns of the Russian Church ‎#23

23. Within the garden's sombre shade

Within the garden's sombre shade,
The Christ of God in anguish prayed;--
And who that agony could tell,
As from His brow the blood-drops fell?

"Can ye not watch one hour?" He saith,--
"My soul is sorrowful to death."
But He alone the vigil kept,
While worn disciples slumbering slept.

O dark the cloud that threatening hung,
And sore the grief His soul that wrung;--
The hate of man, the guilty name,
The bitter Cross, the sin and shame.

24
"If I must drink this cup," He prayed,
"The burden bear upon Me laid,
My God, I bow Me to Thy will,
And meekly Thy behest fulfil."

My soul! when to the garden led,
And clouds are gathering overhead;
When none the hour of anguish shares,
To God direct thy earnest prayers.

"Thy will be done, Thy will is best,"--
And then the bitter cup is blest,
If for His will the cup I drain,
Despite the agony and pain.

Text Information

• First Line: Within the garden's sombre shade
• Title: Within the garden's sombre shade
• Translator: John Brownlie
• Meter: 8,8,8,8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920

Tune Information

(No tune information)