Not In Vain

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It tarries long, and seems to say

Author: Horatius Bonar (alt.)
Tune: ALLEYNE
Published in 1 hymnal

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Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 It tarries long, and seems to say,
God hath forgotten me.
Yet shall it come, and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.

2 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.

3 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.

4 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.

5 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.

6 How long! the widowed Church thus pleads
In hours of agony.
But not in vain; her cry is heard;
Good shall the answer be.

7 How long! Creation cries in bonds,
Still longing to be free!
The groan is heard; and when it comes,
Good shall the answer be.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #9186

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Author: Horatius Bonar

Horatius Bonar was born at Edinburgh, in 1808. His education was obtained at the High School, and the University of his native city. He was ordained to the ministry, in 1837, and since then has been pastor at Kelso. In 1843, he joined the Free Church of Scotland. His reputation as a religious writer was first gained on the publication of the "Kelso Tracts," of which he was the author. He has also written many other prose works, some of which have had a very large circulation. Nor is he less favorably known as a religious poet and hymn-writer. The three series of "Hymns of Faith and Hope," have passed through several editions. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A. 1872… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	It tarries long, and seems to say
Title:	Not In Vain
Author:	Horatius Bonar (alt.)
Meter:	8.6.8.6
Source:	Quarterly Journal of Prophecy, Vol. 24, June 1872, p. 208
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain