MESSIAH'S REIGN by S. M. H.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1867

MESSIAH'S REIGN.

By S. M. H.

I have heard the joyful tidings Of a kingdom yet to be, Over all the earth extending, Lasting as eternity; Of a King whose reign of mercy Will the suffering nations bless; Who will rule in truth and justice, Who will judge in righteousness.

I have heard of earth's redemption From the ruin sin has brought; Of the times of restitution By the holy prophets taught; And my heart exults in prospect Of Messiah's glorious reign, For I've heard creation's moaning 'Neath its heavy load of pain.

I have seen the deaf forbidden All earth's pleasant sounds to hear, And the blind whose darkened pathway Earthly beauty might not cheer; But I know there'll come a morning, And I long to see its light, When the deaf ears shall be opened, And the blind receive their sight.

I have seen the lame and helpless Aided by some friendly hand; I have seen the dumb conversing By the signs they understand, And I thought of that sure promise When our God salvation brings; Then the lame shall leap for gladness, And the loosened tongue shall sing.

I have heard the call to battle, Seen the brave go forth to die, Read of many a field of carnage, Where in ghastly heaps they lie; But when Christ shall reign in Zion, He will make all wars to cease; Man no more shall hate his brother, But shall dwell in quiet peace.

I have stood beside the dying, Watched the struggle with the foe; I have seen death gain the victory, And the wearied ones laid low; But a mighty voice will call them From beneath the cold, damp sod, And they'll wake and live forever In the likeness of their God.

Hail, bright morn of restitution, All creation waits for thee; Hail, Messiah, once rejected, Rule the world in majesty; Earth has never known such glory As shall rest upon her then, When her King shall dwell in Zion, And throughout her borders reign. —S. M. H., in World's Crisis.