The night is far spent, and the day is at hand:
No sign to be looked for; the Star's in the sky;
Rejoice then, ye saints, 'tis your Lord's own command;
Rejoice, for the coming of Jesus draws nigh.
What a day will that be when the Saviour appears!
How welcome to those who have shared in His cross!
A crown incorruptible then will be theirs,
A rich compensation for suffering and loss.
What is loss in this world when compared to that day,
To the glory that then will from heaven be revealed?
"The Saviour is coming," His people may say;
"The Lord whom we look for, our Sun and our Shield."
Oh pardon us, Lord! that our love to Thy name
Is so faint, with so much our affections to move!
Our coldness might fill us with grief and with shame,
So much to be loved, and so little to love.
Oh kindle within us a holy desire,
Like that which was found in Thy people of old,
Who tasted Thy love and whose hearts were on fire,
While They waited in patience Thy face to behold.