I know not when the Lord will come,
Or at what hour He may ap­pear,
Whether at mid­night or at morn,
Or at what sea­son of the year.

Refrain

I on­ly know that He is near,
And that His voice I soon shall hear;
I on­ly know that He is near,
And that His voice I soon shall hear;

I know not what of time re­mains,
To run its course, in this low sphere,
Or what awaits of calm or storm,
Of joy or grief, or hope or fear.

Refrain

I know not what is yet to run
Of spring or sum­mer, green or sear,
Of death or life, of pain or peace,
Of shade or shine, of song or tear.

Refrain

The cen­tu­ries have come and gone,
Dark cen­tu­ries of ab­sence drear;
I dare not chide the long de­lay,
Nor ask when I His voice shall hear.

Refrain

I do not think it can be long,
Till in His glo­ry He ap­pear;
And yet I dare not name the day,
Nor fix the so­lemn ad­vent year.

Refrain