Words by Anne R. Smith
Music by George Coles
SDA Hymnal (1985) Hymn #441
SDA Hymnal (1941) Hymn #371
[Verse 1]
I saw one weary, sad, and torn,
With eager steps press on the way,
Who long the hallowed cross had born,
Still looking for the promised day;
While many a line of grief and care,
Upon his brow was furrowed there;
I asked what buoyed his spirits up,
âO thisâ said he-âthe blessed hope.â
[Verse 2]
And one I saw, with sword and shield,
Who boldly braved the worldâs cold frown,
And fought, unyielding, on the field,
To win an ev-er-last-ing crown.
Though worn with toil, oppressed by foes,
No murmur from his heart arose;
I asked what buoyed his spirits up,
âO this!â said he-âthe blessed hope.â
[Verse 3]
And there was one who left behind
The cherished friends of early years,
And honor, pleasure, wealth re-signed,
To tread the path bedewed with tears.
Through trials deep and conflict sore,
Yet still a smile of joy he wore;
O! what can bouy the spirit up?
âTis this a-lone--the blessed hope.
[Verse 4]
While pilgrims here we journey on
In this dark vale of sin and gloom,
Through tribulation, hate, and scorn,
Or through the por-tals of the tomb,
Till our returning King shall come
To take His exile captives home,
O! what can buoy the spirits up?
âTis this a-lone â the blessed hope.