p. 8 | Coming | AdventAI

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 6, 1905

Coming

“At his coming.” 1 Thess. 2: 19.

COMING! O, the glorious promise! How it thrills our hearts anew With its certainty of gladness! He said it: he is true. Not a dream of bygone ages, That great hope for which we pray: “Coming”—and when God’s “hour” striketh, It shall break—that blessed day!

Coming—then the glad fruition Of his servants’ labors here, Golden sheaves, and garnered treasure— When his goodness crowns the year. All that now seems lost or wasted, Seeds long hidden out of sight, Bursting into life and beauty, Shining in his advent light.

Coming—then the tearless brightness For the eyes with longing dim; O, the rapture of that meeting And our gathering unto him! Earth has had its blessed foretastes, Hallowed hours, communion sweet— But the bliss when he unites us In his presence, at his feet!

Coming—then the final triumph Of his kingdom and his name. Joy for those who held his banner, Bore it through reproach and shame. Strife of tongues forever silenced. Doubts and fears forever past. Manifested in his glory, Owned of all, at last, at last.

Coming—and our cup of gladness Now is trembling to the brim; More than all his advent bringeth Is the thought, it bringeth him. “This same Jesus” is returning; With him triumph, rest, and home; For himself our hearts are yearning— Even so, Lord Jesus, come!

—Selected.