Redemption

AWAKE, oh Israel! and hear

That thy Redemption draweth near;

Arise ye mourners! God hath sent

Fulfilment of His covenant!

It cometh not by war’s decrees

And blood of martyrs broad as seas;

The deeper purposes of God

We learn in kindness, not by rod.

Within yourself, O Israel!

Deliverance cometh—heed this wail!

Then cease thy groans; Be men! Be men!

And God will send Redemption then.

What slave was freed, who loved his yoke?

Thou canst not rise with spirits broke.

God’s beloved art thou still,

O Israel, obey his will.

And even now His chosen seed

Shall reap those blessings long decreed.

Be worthy then—your God shall see

And His Redemption send to thee.

Honor the God thy fathers loved

And love the God thy fathers praised;

Then Israel, thou’lt rise again

A people honored by all men.