Scripture Verse

The prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you. 1 Peter 1:10

Introduction

portrait
John B. Dykes (1823–1876)

Words: Jane L. Borth­wick, 1869.

Music: Blair­gow­rie John B. Dykes, 1872 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Borth­wick (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Hasten the time appointed,
By prophets long foretold
When all shall dwell together,
One Shepherd and one fold.
Let every idol perish,
To moles and bats be thrown
And every prayer be offered
To God in Christ alone.

Let Jew and Gentile, meeting
From many a distant shore
Around one altar kneeling,
One common Lord adore.
Let all that now divides us
Remove and pass away,
Like shadows of the morning
Before the blaze of day.

Let all that now unites us
More sweet and lasting prove
A closer bond of union,
In a blest land of love.
Let war be learned no longer,
Let strife and tumult cease,
All earth His blessèd kingdom
The Lord and Prince of Peace.

O long expected dawning,
Come with thy cheering ray!
When shall the morning brighten,
The shadows flee away?
O sweet anticipation!
It cheers the watchers on
To pray, and hope, and labor,
Till the dark night be gone.