How long, O Lord

“ How long, O Lord, how long?”—
It was in heav’n
That prayerful voice was heard,
From souls forgiven.

Was heaven not enough?
Happy, secure,
Robed in eternal bliss
Would they have more.

Jesus! they would have more—
Even in bliss,
The souls expectant wait
More happiness.

They wait, even in heaven,
Impatiently,
To see this troubled world
At peace with thee.

They would behold their King,
Once crucified,
Mistrusted still, disowned,
And still denied,—

Jesus! they would behold
Thy work complete,
And misery and sin
Beneath thy feet.

And may not we, too, join
In heaven’s song ?
Should we alone not ask,
“ How long, how long?”