Why Dost Thou Wait (Triumphs of Faith 1.3)

WHY DOST THOU WAIT?

Come unto Me… and I will give you rest. -St. Matt. Xi:28.

Poor, trembling lamb! Ah, who outside the fold
            Has bid thee stand, all weary as thou art?
Dangers around thee, and the bitter cold
            Creeping and growing to thine inmost heart;
Who bids thee wait till some mysterious feeling,
            Thou know’st not what-perchance my never know-
Shall find thee where in darkness thou art kneeling,
            And fill thee with a rich and wondrous glow
Of love and faith; and change to warmth and light
            The chill and darkness of thy spirit’s night?

For miracles like this, who bids thee wait?
            Behold, “The Spirit and the Bride say, Come!”
The tender Shepherd opens wide the gate,
            And in His love would gently lead thee home.
Why shouldst thou wait? Long centuries ago,
            Thou timid lam, the Shepherd paid for thee.
Thou art His own, wouldst thou His beauty know,
            Nor trust the love which yet thou canst not see?
Thou hast not learned this lesson to receive;
            More bless’d are they who see not, yet believe.

Still dost thou wait for feeling? Dost thou say,
            “Fain would I love and trust, but hope is dead;
I have no faith, and without faith, who may
            Rest in the blessing which is only shed
Upon the faithful? I must stand and wait.”
            Not so. The Shepherd does not ask for thee,
Faith in thy faith, but only faith in Him.
            And this HE meant saying, “Come to Me!”
In light or darkness seek to do His will,
            And leave the work of faith to Jesus still.

            -From “The Shadow of the Rock.”