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Scoffers are asking oft, and all in vain,
For explanation, shall we be dismayed?
Or need we fear? Shall we take care to prop
That which we need no more? Or, shall we stay
The real building that we may adorn
That which is destined soon to pass away!
Nay, to the work! The scaffolding but serves
A worthy purpose for a little while;
Then may it be discarded, cast aside
As needed nevermore. What matters it?
The last removal shall reveal the things
For which we look with untold eagerness,—
Things which through ages of unmeasured bliss
Cannot be shaken, and they shall remain.
For explanation, shall we be dismayed?
Or need we fear? Shall we take care to prop
That which we need no more? Or, shall we stay
The real building that we may adorn
That which is destined soon to pass away!
Nay, to the work! The scaffolding but serves
A worthy purpose for a little while;
Then may it be discarded, cast aside
As needed nevermore. What matters it?
The last removal shall reveal the things
For which we look with untold eagerness,—
Things which through ages of unmeasured bliss
Cannot be shaken, and they shall remain.
May we not then, with calm, implicit trust
In Him, who hath all blessedness devised,
Lift up our heads when earth and heaven shall shake,
And stars shall fall, and desolations come,
Assured (because the Master hath Himself so said)
That, when these things begin to come %o pass,
The consummation of our highest hopes
Is surely drawing nigh?
Our Lord shall come
Into His temple to be glorified
In all His saints, to be admired in those
Who have believed, and are made one in Him.
Yes, we shall know Him living in His own,
His everlasting glory manifest.
In Him, who hath all blessedness devised,
Lift up our heads when earth and heaven shall shake,
And stars shall fall, and desolations come,
Assured (because the Master hath Himself so said)
That, when these things begin to come %o pass,
The consummation of our highest hopes
Is surely drawing nigh?
Our Lord shall come
Into His temple to be glorified
In all His saints, to be admired in those
Who have believed, and are made one in Him.
Yes, we shall know Him living in His own,
His everlasting glory manifest.
