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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 12, 1867

THE SECOND ADVENT.

And will he come again who once in weakness Upon the accursed cross resigned his breath,— Who patiently, in gentleness and meekness, ‘Midst scoffing foes, bowed to the stroke of death? Say will he come again—how strange the story! With trumpet blast, and power, and angels’ glory?

His life on earth was full of grief and sadness, Beset with falsehood, violence and guile; His pathway seldom was illumined by gladness: He wept, but he was never known to smile. His own received him not: with fury burning, They gnashed their teeth, his love and mercy spurning.

At his command the leprosy departed, The fever fled, and health returned again; He spake! and from the grave the dead upstarted! The lame were cured, the sick relieved from pain; While to the very poorest of the nation Was preached the glorious gospel of salvation.

Toiling on foot across Judea’s mountains, Ranging the dusty paths of Galilee, Weary and faint beside Samaria’s fountains, Healing and blessing all, the Saviour see. And what was his reward for all this goodness? Hatred, ingratitude, contempt and rudeness.

How strange! How passing wonderful! And is it To be believed that he, the Son of God, Shall e’er again this cursed earth revisit? And, stranger still, shall make it his abode? That he, the Mightiest, will be delighted To dwell with those by whom he has been slighted?

Believed? Undoubtedly. The word was spoken Ere yet he left this world of grief and pain, That word which never, never can be broken,— “Be not dismayed, for I will come again, You to myself forevermore receiving, In glorious mansions built for the believing.”

Oh, glorious promise! He who once ascended From Olive’s Mount up to the throne above, Shall come again, by angel bands attended, To reign on earth in glory, peace and love. His faithful friends no more from him to sever, Shall reign with him forever and forever.

Then pain shall be no more, sighing and sadness Shall flee away, and violence and wrong; Death shall expire, the earth shall smile with gladness, And universal nature burst in song. The raptured saints, with grace and love abounding, Shall shout for joy, their shouts through Heaven resounding.

Hail to the coming King, the Lord’s Anointed, Who truth and righteousness doth aye maintain! Hail to the happy time, the time appointed, When he will take the mighty power and reign! Oh, watch and pray, ye saints, and nothing fearing, Look for his bright and glorious appearing. —Advent Herald.