HARK! there comes the sound of crying,
Borne across the western sea;
China's countless millions dying,
Mourn in hopeless agony;
Moan on moan, with few to pity—
So they die eternally! Lo! the priests are chanting, chanting,
Endless prayers at monotone;
While, the demon spirits haunting,
Hired mourners shriek and moan;
Incense burns while souls are dying,
But these ne'er for sins atone! See! the shrines are dimly lighted;
Hear the mourners' measured tread;
Past the chant for souls affrighted,
Now the worship for the dead.
Vain is all that man can offer
For the souls for which Christ bled! So the countless millions passing,
Go beyond this earthly light;
By the countless millions massing,
Wait for judgment's endless night;
So the days go by, and going,
End our time of doing right! Christ is coming—judgment awful
Waits for souls that die in sin;
Christ is coming—judgment lawful
Must with church of God begin.
Rouse, ye saints! arise deliver;
They will shine who souls shall win!
—Selected.