Hadst Thou Been Here by Almetta M. Jackson.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 14, 1915

Hadst Thou Been Here

By Almetta M. Jackson.

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“Hadst Thou been here,” O wail of human woe, Wrung from sore, stricken hearts and sadly tried At His approach whose coming seemed in vain, “Hadst Thou been here,” my brother had not died.

Long years have come and gone, but as we gaze On homes bereft of loved ones near and dear, The cry which rose from Bethany’s humble cot Now trembles on our lips—“Hadst Thou been here.”

“Hadst Thou been here,” for at Thy mighty word, Back flows life’s swiftly ebbing tide; Thy presence is the dread invader’s doom, “Hadst Thou been here,” my brother had not died.

“Hadst Thou been here,” O tender, pitying Christ, To shield us in temptation’s trying hour, We should not now have been so nearly wrecked— Our weakness shelter in Thy mighty power.

O Thou at whose approach death’s shadows flee, Haste Thy return, for every scalding tear Will then be wiped away, and pain shall cease, And death give place to life when Thou art here.

—Almetta M. Jackson.