A Little While

Verse 1

Oh, for the peace which floweth like a river, Making life's desert places bloom and smile! Oh, for the faith to grasp heaven's bright "for ever," Amid the shadows of earth's "little while!"

Verse 2

A little while for patient vigil-keeping, To face the storm, to battle with the strong; A little while to sow the seed with weeping, Then bind the sheaves and sing the harvest song!

Verse 3

A little while to keep the oil from failing, A little while faith's flickering lamp to trim; And then, the Bridegroom's coming footsteps hailing, To haste to meet him with the bridal hymn!

Verse 4

And he who is himself the gift and giver, The future glory and the present smile, With the bright promise of the glad "for ever" Will light the shadows of the "little while!"