"FATHER, I long to spread thy blessed Truth
o'er land and sea !"
I listen, and there comes to me
His answer, tender, loving, mild,
"Not now, My child."

"Father, my heart is sad, I fain would leave this wilderness,
Go forth, earth's groaning ones to bless !"
I hear again His answer mild,
"Not now, My child."

"Father, I yearn to break these fleshly fetters and be free,
As pants the hart, I pant for Thee !"
His voice, how sweet, how tender, mild,
"Not now, My child."

"Father, Thy will be done, I humbly leave it all with Thee,
Thou knowest what is best for me !"
I hear His voice, so low, so mild,
"Come now, My child."