If Christ should come to-day!
If we could find him on the broad highway
Or city street,
Oh, would we crowd to touch his garments' hem
Or kiss his feet?
If he should come to-day!
If the All-searching one should find us out,
And call our name;
Would we press forward toward the outstretched hand,
Or sink in shame?
If he should come to-day!
The Prince of Peace amidst the clang of war
And battle heat;
Oh, would we haste to lay our weapons down
Before his feet?
If he should come to-day!
Above all honors and the paltry things
That men call great,
Is he enshrined, and have we kept our faith
Inviolate?
Oh poor, and weak, and blind!
Living for self, we make our petty plans,
Map out each year;
Forgetting in an hour we know not of
He may appear.
O gentle, pitying Christ!
Delay thy coming to the weary soul,
So sick of sin,
Draw close thy cords of love until his heart
Shall take thee in.
Then come at morn or eve!
Whether in manhood, youth, or feeble age,
Thy visit fall;
To him who loves thee all is well, since Christ
Is all in all.