Classic Poem

In darkness and in pain
The holy souls abide;
They know that Thou hast died
That they may live and reign;
But far from heaven and Thee
They bear their burning chains,
While yet a jot remains
Of sin's terrific fee.

Ah, think how once they used
Thyself, the living Food;
And asked for what they would;
And nothing was refused
Contrition is their bread;
They may not speak their need;
Their patience cannot plead;
They lie uncomforted.

Thou heedest not their sighs,
Though dear to Thee they be
Thy stern and just decree
Withholds Thy pitying eyes.
And yet Thy mercy strains
To further any prayer,
The least desire to share
Or mitigate their pains.

By all the pains Thine own,
The dread, the shame, the scorn,
So wonderfully borne,
To merit and atone,
Oh, shorten days and years;
Rub out the lingering stain;
Release a soul from pain;
And wipe away the tears.