Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 93

93.
The Ruler's Daughter raised.—Mark, v, 39—42.

1 Could the creatures help or ease us
Seldom should we think of prayer;
Few, if any, come to Jesus
Till reduced to self-despair:
Long we either slight or doubt him;
But when all the means we try
Prove we cannot do without him,
Then at last to him we cry.

2 Thus the ruler, when his daughter
Suffer'd much, though Christ was nigh,
Still deferr'd it till he thought her
At the very point to die:
Though he mourn'd for her condition,
He did not entreat the Lord
Till he found that no physician
But himself could help afford.

3 Jesus did not once upbraid him,
That he had no sooner come;
But a gracious answer made him,
And went straightway with him home:
Yet his faith was put to trial
When his servants came, and said,
Though he gave thee no denial,
'Tis too late,—the child is dead."

4 Jesus, to prevent his grieving,
Kindly spoke, and eased his pain;
"Be not fearful, but believing,—
Thou shalt see her live again."
When he found the people weeping,
"Cease," he said, "no longer mourn;
For she is not dead, but sleeping:"
Then they laughed him to scorn.

5 O thou meek and lowly Saviour,
How determined is thy love!
Not this rude unkind behaviour
Could thy gracious purpose move.
Soon as he the room had enter'd,
Spoke, and took her by the hand,
Death at once his prey surrender'd,
And she lived at his command.

6 Fear not then, distress'd believer,
Venture on his mighty name;
He is able to deliver,
And his love is still the same:
Can his pity or his power
Suffer thee to pray in vain?
Wait but his appointed hour,
And thy suit thou shalt obtain.