Christ the Lord's Return
By John Francis Olmsted
WHAT caused the saints in days of old
To wage the battle dire,
And gave them hope beyond this life
'Mid persecution's fire?
What prompted them to faithful be,
And caused their hearts to burn?
O, was it not the glorious hope
Of Christ the Lord's return? A royal heir to all the world,
With all the faithful here,
A promise made by God Himself
To those His name revere;
If we are Christ's we're Abram's seed,
And heirs to Canaan too,
A land of joy and peace divine
For every worthy true. This hope e'er thrilled the prophets true
Who penned God's Holy Word,
Who spoke with strength and power divine
Of judgments long deferred;
Then where are we in Heaven's sight,
And in our own as well?
Can we with faithful Abraham
This wondrous promise tell? This hope that once inspired the church
To high and holy aims,
Should yet inspire the militant
Who still His mercy claims;
Then let us walk with solemn tread,
And not the promise spurn,
But look with anxious, waiting hearts
For Christ the Lord's return.