A good friend brought this hymn to my attention, and it’s a good one. I don’t know that I have ever used the word languid. However, it sure does capture the idea of weakness and fatigue well. In times of uncertainty or doubt, the text of this old song is wonderfully encouraging. “Is he sure to bless? Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs answer yes.”
Text: John Mason Neale, 1882
Music: STEPHANOS, by Henry W. Baker, 1868
For the arrangement I simply adjusted the chord structure and an added refrain using the last verse of the text.
Text:
Are you weary, are you languid, are you sore distress’d?
“Come to me,” says One, “and, coming, be at rest.”
Has he marks to lead me to him, if he be my Guide?
“In his feet and hands are wound-prints, and his side.”
Finding, foll’wing, keeping, struggling, is he sure to bless?
“Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs answer yes.”
Is there diadem, as Monarch, that his brow adorns?
“Yes, a crown, in very surety, but of thorns.”
If I find him, if I follow, what his promise here?
“Many a sorrow, many a labor, many a tear.”
If I still hold closely to him, what has he at last?
“Sorrow vanquished, labor ended, Jordan passed.”
If I ask him to receive me, will he say me nay?
“Not till earth and not till heaven pass away.”
This was lovely and encouraging. Thank you, Nathan. I miss you, my dear brother in Christ.
Thanks Matt! Great to hear from you. Yes, miss y’all too. We were planning on being in Franklin a couple times this spring, but obviously plans have adjusted. Hope to connect sometime soonish.