That blessed time will surely come, when all shall know the Lord,
I find the promise largely writ in God's most precious word,
When" holiness unto the Lord" shall greet each gladdened eye,
And oft my soul impatient prays, "Lord haste this time of joy."
Sweet are the visions of that time, portrayed by God's own hand,
When righteousness and peace shall reign supreme o'er every land,
When all shall know the blessed God, shall know and love Him too,
And earth present the scene again, which angels loved to view.
No longer Satan's wide domain, creation ruined, marr'd,
But all earth's kingdoms shall become "the kingdoms of the Lord,"
No proud usurper then shall rule, no power acknowleged be,
But Christ, and He alone, shall reign, while earth keeps jubilee.
How cheering is this prospect fair to all who now bewail
And mourn the wide-spread evils that so mightily prevail,
Who grieve to hear that name blasphem'd, the only name they prize,
To see poor sinners hate the cross, and mercy's gifts despise.
Yes, it will come, then O my soul, take courage, all is well!
The glories of the Son of God creation yet shall tell;
The groanings of the earth shall cease, all sin be done away,
Come, Lord, disperse the midnight clouds, and usher in the day.
A. M.