THE COMING OF THE LORD.
By Marie D. Thorne
A CRY rang throughout Judea
Like Sinai's trump of old;
It shook the rocks of old, gray Carmel
And the temple's gates of gold.
Jordan heard it, and the cedars
Of Lebanon bowed at the word,
For it was as a storm, "Make ready
For the coming of the Lord." The vale of ancient Hebron heard it,
And Machpelah's dust was stirred.
See redemption's plan unfolding
In the shining of his word.
Priest and Levite paused to hear it,
While the victim's blood was poured.
Perish now the type; make ready
For the coming of the Lord. Put down pride and all oppression;
Perish craft and hate and wrong;
For He comes, the Prince of Judah,
The Deliverer promised long.
'Twas the voice of the desert prophet—
Scorning prison chain and sword,
Speaking yet to us, "Make ready
For the coming of the Lord." Put down pride and all injustice;
Give the toiler his reward.
Think no evil, and make ready
For the coming of the Lord.
Let thy barns be widows' houses;
Let the oil and wine be poured;
Feed the hungry and make ready
For the coming of the Lord. O our Father, O our Father,
Give us tender hearts to feel,
For already on the highway
Hear we now thy chariot wheel!
Give to him thy life, thy service,
E'er forgetful of reward.
Faithful work will ever hasten
The blest coming of the Lord.