"VOICES." ISA. 66:6

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1893

"VOICES." ISA. 66:6.

A voice of noise from the city, From its haunts of sin and pain, The groan of a mighty multitude— Oh! shall they plead in vain?

A voice of the little children Beginning their lifelong woe; A voice from the lonely dying, Not knowing where they go.

Oh, silently appealing Is the cry of that mighty throng, That voice of noise from the city— "How long, O Lord, how long?"

A voice from the midst of the temple, A voice of doubt and fear,— "How long shall evil triumph? O God, the Father, hear!"

A voice of widespread error, A voice of those that say, "There should be wider entrance To this too 'narrow way.'"

A voice of the plenteous harvest That few men go to reap, Though the enemy's softly sowing, Whilst the weary watchers sleep.

So, through the lonely waiting Of these years of care and wrong, That ceaseless voice from the temple— "How long, O Lord, how long?"

A voice of the Lord that speaketh To those who watch and wait; Toil on a little longer, His step is at the gate.

See how the shadows lengthen Athwart the evening sky; Lift up your heads, O children! Your redemption draweth nigh.

And, through the unknown distance, In an echo deep and strong, Is the voice of the Lord proclaiming, "I will not tarry long." —Selected.