Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#469

469. We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen

1 We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen
Across this little landscape of our life;
We would see Jesus, our weak faith to strengthen
For the last weariness, the final strife.

2 We would see Jesus, the great rock foundation
Whereon our feet were set with sovereign grace:
Nor life nor death, with all their agitation,
Can thence remove us, if we see His face.

3 We would see Jesus: other lights are paling,
Which for long years we have rejoiced to see;
The blessings of our pilgrimage are failing:
We would not mourn them, for we go to Thee.

4 We would see Jesus: yet the spirit lingers
Round the dear objects it has loved so long,
And earth from earth can scarce unclasp its fingers;
Our love to Thee makes not this love less strong.

5 We would see Jesus: sense is all too binding,
And heaven appears too dim, too far away;
We would see Thee, Thyself our hearts reminding
What Thou hast suffered, our great debt to pay.

6 We would see Jesus: this is all we're needing;
Strength, joy, and willingness come with the sight;
We would see Jesus dying, risen, pleading;
Then welcome day, and farewell mortal night.

Text Information

• First Line: We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen
• Author: Anna Bartlett Warner, 1820-1885
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Christian Life: Aspiration and Prayer; Sea: Storms at; Storms: Of Life; Longing: For Christ

Tune Information

• Name: SOMERCOTES
• Composer: R. F. Lloyd
• Meter: 11.10.11.10
• Key: D Major