Christian Songs, Song LXVI

O WHY so slow, ye simple, say, The Saviour's faithful words to hear? Why put his coming far away? Look up, for lo! the signs appear. The time is short, when ev'ry foe Shall vanquish'd lie, no more to rise: For Christ shall tread his en'mies low, While shouts of triumph fill the skies.

2 See nation against nation rise; Kingdoms and States for war prepare; Distress, perplexities arise, Men's anxious hearts do fail for fear: Dire famines waste, and earthquakes rend The ground, and desolation spread: The pest'lence rage does wide extend, And fills the trembling world with dread.

3 That Kingdom for the Clergy rais'd, (Christians! yet strangers to the cross,) Their former grandeur how debas'd! Their pomp's brought low, their power is lost! This power consum'd, shall Christ destroy When in His brightness he shall come: His people all shall shout for joy, While the loud voice declares, 'Tis done.

4 Men mock the Christians' hopes, and cry, They're idle visionary views; They build, they plant, they sell and buy, And each his fav'rite scheme pursues. See how iniquities abound; The love of many waxes cold: Lukewarmness in the church is found, And faith's a rare thing to behold.

5 When Lot from Sodom hasted out, Till he was safe, God's vengeance staid: Then ruin wrapt them round about, And all the plain in ashes laid! So, when each elect soul's brought in, More dreadful vengeance shall devour: And those who would not Christ should reign, Shall feel the terrors of his power.

6 And sudden as the thief by night, Christ unexpected shall appear: But let his saints with patience wait, For their redemption now draws near. "Quickly I come," hear him declare.— He comes to bring his people home, Let's join the church's ardent pray'r, Amen! ev'n so, Lord Jesus come.