For works with similar titles, see Hope.
Hymn II. Hope Christopher Smart
1771
HYMN II.
HOPE.
Ah! Hannah, why should'st thou despair,
Quick to the Tabernacle speed;
There on thy knees prefer thy pray'r,
And there thy cause to mercy plead.
5 Her pious breathings now ascend,
As from her heart the sighs she heaves;
And angels to her suit attend,
Till strong in hope she now conceives.
Then Samuel soon was brought to light
10 To serve the Lord, as yet a child —[1]
O what a heart — reviving sight!
Sure Cherubims and Seraphs smil'd.
Thus yet a child may I begin,
To serve the Lord with all my heart;
15 To shun the wily lures of sin,
And claim the prize, or e're I start. [2]
1771
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Notes
- The story of Hannah and the birth of her son Samuel (1 Sam. 1), was favorite of Smart's (see "Jubilato Agno", B458 etc.).
- ↑ 9—10. See 1 Sam. 2:11.
- ↑ 16. And claim the prize, or e're I start. — "e're" printed as "ere" in ed. 1772 and 1786, and "before" in ed, 1772a. Cf. Phil. 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus".
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This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. |
