A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) ‎#183

183. “That They May Be One.”

Was it in vain that Jesus prayed
For those he came to save,
When darkly o’er his path was laid
The shadow of the grave?

Hath Jesus loved and prayed in vain?
O doubting heart, be still!
Yet holds the Lord his glorious reign,
Despite of wrong and ill.

Though nations with their battle-cries
Profane the Almighty’s name,
Though bigots to the offended skies
Their own wild wrath proclaim,—

Thousands, in every Christian land,
Have never bowed the knee
In worship to the idol-band
Of strife and perfidy.

And these are one;—though some may bend
Before the Virgin’s shrine,
While others’ prayers and thanks ascend,
Father! alone at Thine,—

Yet they are one; if through their hearts
The soul of love be poured,
As swells some strain of various parts,
Yet all in sweet accord.

Text Information

• First Line: Was it in vain that Jesus prayed
• Title: “That They May Be One.”
• Author: Bulfinch
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1866

Tune Information

(No tune information)