Introduction
Words: Adin Ballou, in The Gospel Psalmist, edited by John G. Adams & S. B. Ball (Boston, Massachusetts: J. M. Usher, 1861), page 97.
Music: St. Clare Alfred J. Eyre, in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1889 (🔊 pdf nwc).
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4
Words: Adin Ballou, in The Gospel Psalmist, edited by John G. Adams & S. B. Ball (Boston, Massachusetts: J. M. Usher, 1861), page 97.
Music: St. Clare Alfred J. Eyre, in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1889 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Years are coming—speed them onward!
When the sword shall gather rust,
And the helmet, lance and falchion,
Sleep in silent dust!
Earth has heard too long of battle,
Heard the trumpet’s voice too long!
But another age advances,
Seers foretold in song.
Years are coming when, forever,
War’s dread banner shall be furled,
And the angel peace be welcomed,
Regent of the world!
Hail with song that glorious era,
When the sword shall gather rust,
And the helmet, lance and falchion,
Sleep in silent dust.