Verse 1

We saw Thee not when Thou didst come

To this poor world of sin and death;

Nor e'er beheld Thy cottage home,

In that despised Nazareth;

But we believe Thy footsteps trod

Its streets and plains, Thou Son of God.

Verse 2

We did not see Thee lifted high,

Amid that wild and savage crew;

Nor heard Thy meek, imploring cry,

Forgive, they know not what they do!

Yet we believe the deed was done,

Which shook the earth and veiled the sun.

Verse 3

We stood not by the empty tomb,

Where late Thy sacred body lay;

Nor sat within that upper room,

Nor met Thee in the open way.

But we believe that angels said:

Why seek the living with the dead?

Verse 4

We did not mark the chosen few,

When Thou didst through the clouds ascend,

First lift to heaven their wondering view,

Then to the earth all prostrate bend;

Yet we believe that mortal eyes

Beheld that journey to the skies.