465 Long hast thou wept and sorrowed,

1 Long hast thou wept and sorrowed, Poor mourner, dry thy tears: Behold, with light and comfort, Jesus Himself appears. 2 All other hope must perish, All earthly props decay; Then let the seed be buried, The husk be blown away. 3 Yet think not God has granted But to recall again,-- His gifts of love and goodness Shall ever thine remain. 4 The seed, before it flourish, Must low in darkness lie; And love, to live for ever, Must for a season die. 5 But those like thee, bereaved Within earth's darkened home, Are rich in many a promise And pledge, of joys to come. 6 "Trust in my mercy ever, My people!" saith the Lord; Hold fast in deepest sorrow That soul-sustaining word. 7 The harvest day is hasting-- The rest from toil and pain, When those who sleep in Jesus Shall come with Him again. 8 And, more than all the treasures That morning shall restore, Himself, Himself shall meet thee, Thy portion evermore! 9 Then rest, sad heart, in patience, With this petition still, "Lord, all these vacant places With Thine own fullness fill!"