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 sov’reign 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: 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.
Source: 50 Uncommon Songs: for partakers of the common salvation #43
First Line: | We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen |
Title: | We Would See Jesus |
Author: | Anna Bartlett Warner (1852) |
Meter: | 11.10.11.10 |
Language: | English |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen. [Death Anticipated.] Usually attributed to Ellen Ellis, a contributor to the Golden Grain Series, It is in Hastings's Church Melodies, 1858, the Hymnal Companion, 1890, &c.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)
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We would see Jesus: for the shadows lengthen, p. 1595, i. This hymn is in Miss Warner's novel, Dollars and Cents, N. Y., 1852, renamed Speculation; or the Glen-Luna Family. By Amy Lothrop (Lond.: Routledge & Co.), 1853, p. 173, in 7 stanzas of 4 lines. "Amy Lothrop" was a pen-name of Anna Warner, p. 1234, i. We know nothing of "Ellen Ellis," to whom the hymn is sometimes attributed.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)