Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.
Hebrews 11:1–2
Words: Julia C. R. Dorr, in Sacred Songs for Public Worship, edited by Minot J. Savage & Howard M. Dow (Boston, Massachusetts: George H. Ellis, 1883), number 123.
Music: Nuremberg Johann R. Ahle, 1664, alt. (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Ahle (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Heir of all the ages, I—
Heir of all that they have wrought!
All their store of emprise high,
All their wealth of precious thought!
Every golden deed of theirs
Sheds its luster on my way;
All their labors, all their prayers,
Sanctify this present day.
Heir of all that they have earned
By their passion and their tears;
Heir of all that they have learned
Through the weary, toiling years.
Heir of all the faith sublime
On whose wings they soared to Heav’n;
Heir of every hope that Time
To earth’s fainting sons hath giv’n.
Aspirations pure and high,
Strength to do and to endure;
Heir of all the ages, I—
Lo, I am no longer poor!