ADVENT by Churchman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1879

ADVENT

By Churchman

Hark! the rumbling chariot wheels! 'Tis the coming of the Lord, it draweth nigh; Over mountains, over vales, Over ages rolls the startling prophet cry: “Watch for the coming of the Lord!”

Mighty nations have their day; All the kingdoms of the earth are growing old; Crowns are won, and crowns decay; But the voice is ever sounding, loud and bold, “Watch for the coming of the Lord!”

The church has waited centuries— Still is waiting—listening for the mighty cry; Tuned to loftiest harmonies— “On a cloud of glory, lo! he draweth nigh! Behold the coming of the Lord!”

Watchers! on yon mountain high, Eager for the coming glory and the roll Of trumpet voices, with the might Of angels in them, when will cease this warning call, “Watch for the coming of the Lord”?

“Speed, ye loitering steeds of flame!” Myriads, all impatient for deliverance, pray, Groaning travailing in pain, “Hasten on the promised, long-expected day, Day of the coming of the Lord!”

Out of burning, into ashes Falls the great earth, with the crashing of the sky; And the awful lightning flashes Gleam above the fearful wreck, as sounds the cry: “Lo! lo! the presence of the Lord!”

Now, beneath a brighter light, Golden glory falling o'er a new creation, Day eternal without night— Holy voices rise in lofty exultation: “Praise for the coming of the Lord!”

—Churchman.