In a day of closing darkness,
When the outlook is so black,
When the hearts of men are failing,
And the feet of saints turn back—
When corruption spreads her mantle
O'er the minds, and ways, of all,
When the violent doth prosper,
And men's passions rise and fall,
Then, amid the gloom and darkness,
Shines one feeble ray of light—
Some, who feel and own the ruin,
Seek by faith to walk aright—
Some, who "fear" the Lord of glory,
And who think upon His name,
Some who often speak together
Of His glory and His shame;
Some, who often round Him gather,
To exhort, and sing, and pray—
Some, who prove amid the darkness,
They are children of the day;
Some, who wait a coming
Savior, And who long His face to see,
Some, who wait their hope's fruition
Till conformed to Him they be.
God, who dwells in heavenly glory,
He beholds this feeble few,
He records in His remembrance
All the sorrows they pass through;
He discerns each true affection,
And declares, "They shall be Mine!
When I gather up 'My Jewels,'
These shall in My presence shine."
"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3