One touch from thee—the healer of diseases,
One little touch, would make our brother whole;
And yet thou comest not: O blessed Jesus,
Send a swift answer to our waiting soul!
Full many a message have we sent, and pleaded
That thou wouldst haste thy coining, gracious Lord;
Each message was received, and heard, and heeded,
And yet we welcome no responsive word!
We know that thou art, blessing, whilst withholding;
We know that thou art near us, though apart;
And though we list no answer, thou art folding
Our soul’s petitions to thy smitten heart.
A bright and glorious answer is preparing,
Hid in the heights of love—the depths of grace;
We know that thou, the risen, still art bearing
Our cause as thine within the holy place.
And so we trust our pleadings to thy keeping;
So at thy feet we lay our burden down;
Content to bear the earthly cross, with weeping,
Till at thy feet we cast the heavenly crown.