Patience

Until the day shall break, and shadows flee

Which from infernal regions earth invade,

And He whom every human eye shall see

Shall come with might and majesty arrayed—

Till then shall violence unfettered reign,

And guiltless blood the field of battle stain.

Till He shall come, whose voice like thunder loud

The pillars of the universe shall shake,

And all the arrogant and godless proud

Shall at His presence like the aspen quake

Till then the man that to the earth lays claim

Shall nations sack with sword and fire and flame.

Till He shall come, to whom by right belong

The throne, the kingdom, glory, power, and might

Till He shall plant His foot upon the wrong,

And from the dust lift crushed and bleeding right—

Till then shall kings and kingdoms rise and fall,

And woeful wars for hapless victims call.

Till He shall come, who shall the glittering sword

Into a ploughshare beat, and ruthless spear

Into a pruning-hook, must red blood poured

Forth from the fainting heart the earth besmear—

Till then when shall appear the Prince of Peace

Must fearful sights and sorrows sore increase.

Until that day with earnest voice we cry,

Come, O Beloved: Why delay so long?

Our importunity do not deny:

Come in Thy love so mighty, true, and strong.

Already beams of morn the night clouds lace;

Come, Jesus Lord, we long to see Thy face.