W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

“I have yet many Things to say unto You”

Edward Hayes Plumptre (1821–1891)

JOHN XVI. 12.

WEARY and sad, and sorrow-spent were they,

In that still upper room,

While the rich crimson of the closing day

Was fading into gloom,

And over all, benumbing soul and sense,

Hung the cold shadow of a dread suspense.

High words they heard, but little meaning found,

And spoke their wonder out;

Their Master’s wisdom seemed an empty sound,

And faith was nigh to doubt,

And with the simpler questions of a child

Mingled vague dreams, dull thoughts, and guesses wild.

The promise of a Spirit yet to come,

That other Paraclete,

To lead them on to Truth’s eternal home

And guide their wandering feet;

That could not soothe the anguish of their heart,

They asked in sadness “Must their Lord depart?”

The three-fold witness mighty to prevail

Against an evil world,

The wondrous promise, certain not to fail,

Truth’s banner wide unfurled;

All this they heard, and yet their thoughts were cold,

Feeble the strong, and faint of heart the bold.

Yes, after all, or clear and open speech,

Or sayings dark and dim,

They yet had much to learn and He to teach,

Ere they could rest in Him,

Ere they could preach His words with cleanséd lips,

Or He impart His full Apocalypse.

So year by year, and age by age He sends

The Spirit true and pure,

To guide the souls of those He owns as friends

In pathway straight and sure,

Unfolding still to souls that love the light

The glories of His wisdom infinite.

So we too yet have many things to learn

Which now we scarce can bear,

And though at times our hearts within us burn

We soon forget to hear,

And look with vision dim and wondering eyes

As, one by one, new fears and doubts arise.

Only do Thou, O Lord, Thy word fulfil,

And let Thy Spirit’s might

Through all life’s wars and storms be with us still,

And lead us to the light;

Through mists and shadows guide our wandering feet,

And with Him come Thyself, Thou first great Paraclete.

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