Verse 1
Abraham did for the promise stay,
He had not learnt the shorter way,
But walking on before his God
In all the paths of duty trod,
Careful by works his faith to prove,
And waiting thus for perfect love.

Verse 2
After he had been tempted, tried,
By faith, by actions justified,
After a thousand conflicts past,
And Isaac sacrific’d at last,
The image of his Lord he found,
And rose with late perfection crown’d.

Verse 3
Who in our father’s footsteps tread,
He bids us gradually proceed,
Nor fondly for the promise hope,
Before we yield our Isaacs up;
He teaches his believing sons,
“The work is never done at once!”

Verse 4
Instructed after him we go,
And perfect holiness below,
And having patiently endur’d,
The blessing by our Lord procur’d
We humbly trust at last t’ attain,
And purest love with Christ to gain.