When Jesus, up the mountain side
Ascended all alone,
To spend some hours in peacful prayer
Before His Father's throne.
Meanwhile the twelve were toiling hard
In rowing o'er the lake,
But 'gainst the stormy winds they could
But little progress make.
And Jesus, on the mountain high,
Engaged in fervent prayer,
Looks on the lake and sees his friends,
And feels their toil and care.
Now comes the fourth watch of the night;
The tired men still row
Against a rising, boisterous sea,
While angry tempests blow.
But now, amid the wild uproar,
And darkness of the storm,
They saw approaching, o'er the waves,
Their Master's much loved form.
They failed to recognize the Lord,
With storm and darkness near,
Supposed He was a spirit form,
And cried aloud for fear.
Then straightway Jesus hushed their cries;
"Be of good cheer," He said;
They knew the kind, assuring voice :
"Tis I, be not afraid."
Then Peter, warm impulsive, bold,
Said : "Lord, if it be Thou,
Bid me and let me come to Thee
Upon the waters now."
Jesus said : "Come." Then Peter stepped
Over the vessel's side,
And walked securely and alone
Upon the stormy tide.
His eyes were on the Master fixed,
But, looking on the wave,
At once he did begin to sink,
And cried out : "Lord! Oh, save!"
Then Jesus quickly stretched His hand
And raised the sinking man,
Said : "Wherefore did'st thou doubt?"
and placed
Him on his feet again.
And when they step aboard the ship,
There is a sudden peace,
The wind is still, the stars are bright,
The waves their motion cease,
And the disciples, bending low,
Their spirits deeply awed,
Said : "Of a truth we now are sure
Thou art the Son of God."
Then comes to pass another thing,
They cannot understand;
The ship, so lately out at sea,
Is now quite close to land.
And, resting from their hours of toil,
And filled with wonder deep,
The twelve around their Master's feet
Lie down in peaceful sleep.
