The original version was written by American poet, pop / folk song-writer, composer, musician and music-teacher, Septimus Winner (1827-1902), and initially published under his pseudonym, Alice Hawthorne. (Other pseudonyms include Percy Guyer, Mark Mason and Paul Stenton). It was first published by in 1868.
It was later included in various hymn books: Although not originally written as a hymn, the 3rd verse has a clear reference to Hebrews 6:19, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the presence behind the veil,”
In the late 20th century the song was recorded by a number of country-music artists.
With meter 8.7.8.7 D with refrain, it is almost always set to the unnamed tune that Winner wrote for the song.
Like the sweet freshness of dew,
Comes the dear whisper of Jesus,
Comforting, tender and true.
Darkness gives way to the sunlight,
While His voice falls on my ear;
Seasons of heaven’s refreshing,
Call to new gladness and cheer.
Chorus:
Whispering hope, like the song of the angels,
Jesus, Thy love is sweet music to me.
2 Singing the song of forgiveness,
Softly I hear in my soul,
Jesus has conquered forever
Sin with its fearful control.
Whispering courage for warfare,
Bending Thine ear when I pray;
Glorious, risen Redeemer,
O how I praise Thee today!
3 Hope is an anchor to keep us,
Holding both steadfast and sure;
Hope brings a wonderful cleansing,
Thro’ His blood, making us pure.
Whispering hope of His coming,
How my heart thrills at His Word!
O to be watching and waiting,
Ready to welcome the Lord!
With meter 8.7.8.7 D with refrain, it is almost always set to the unnamed tune that Winner wrote for the song.
An adaptation was written by early-20th century American hymn-writer, Mrs. J. I. McClelland (details unknown). The words of each verse have similar themes, but are more specifically about Jesus. It is set to a tune that is arranged form Winner's from original by American composer J. Lincoln Hall (1866-1930), who published under pseudonyms including Clyde Willard.
Downloads
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Examples
Choir, unaccompanied, professional recording
Duet with band, concert performance
Choir, unaccompanied, professional recording
Singer with backing-track, words on-screen - adapted lyrics
Choir with electronic keyboard
Singer with guitar-led band, professional recording
Instrumental - piano:
Instrumental - organ
Lyrics
Original version
1 Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion,
Whispers her comforting word.
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.
Chorus:
Whispering Hope O how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.
2 If in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day.
3 Hope as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Master has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal.
Come then, O come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart,
Come, O thou blest hope of glory,
Never, O never depart.
O blessed Hope!
Hymn version
1 Like the faint dawn of the morning,Like the sweet freshness of dew,
Comes the dear whisper of Jesus,
Comforting, tender and true.
Darkness gives way to the sunlight,
While His voice falls on my ear;
Seasons of heaven’s refreshing,
Call to new gladness and cheer.
Chorus:
Whispering hope, like the song of the angels,
Jesus, Thy love is sweet music to me.
2 Singing the song of forgiveness,
Softly I hear in my soul,
Jesus has conquered forever
Sin with its fearful control.
Whispering courage for warfare,
Bending Thine ear when I pray;
Glorious, risen Redeemer,
O how I praise Thee today!
3 Hope is an anchor to keep us,
Holding both steadfast and sure;
Hope brings a wonderful cleansing,
Thro’ His blood, making us pure.
Whispering hope of His coming,
How my heart thrills at His Word!
O to be watching and waiting,
Ready to welcome the Lord!
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