"And, Behold, I Come Quickly."
By John M. Hopkins
O list the glad story, the Saviour is coming,
Not now as to Bethlehem lowly He came;
Not now to the thorn-crown, the gall, and the
wormwood,
Not now to the sorrow, the smiting, the shame.
But, lo, in the beauty of heavenly splendor,
Transcendent in brightness, while angels attend,
He comes with His scepter, a King in His glory,
A King whose dominion shall ne'er have an end. O'er all the fair earth in its Eden-like beauty,
Where sickness and sorrow shall nevermore reign,
No war-cloud to darken, no shroud and no weeping,
No farewells to sadden, no funeral train;
But life everlasting, and peace like a river,
And bliss such as mortals have never yet known,
With praise and thanksgiving forever ascribing,
To Jesus the King on the Conqueror's throne. The Saviour is coming! from ocean to ocean
The message is sounding in notes loud and plain.
In earth's darkest corners the truth-light is shining,
And hearts wait to welcome His coming again.
Proclaim the glad Gospel of love and salvation,
Nor weary nor falter the dying to cheer.
The Saviour is coming! lo, this is our watchword,–
Yes, Jesus is coming, His advent is near.
JOHN M. HOPKINS.