615 The Kingdom of God

 

1. "Thy kingdom come!" on bended knee

the passing ages pray;

and faithful souls have yearned to see

on earth that kingdom’s day.

 

2. But the slow watches of the night

not less to God belong;

and for the everlasting right

the silent stars are strong.

 

3. And lo, already on the hills

the flags of dawn appear;

gird up your loins, ye prophet souls,

proclaim the day is near:

 

4. the day to whose clear shining light

all wrong shall stand revealed,

when justice shall be throned in might,

and every hurt be healed;

 

5. when knowledge, hand in hand with peace,

shall walk the earth abroad;

the day of perfect righteousness,

the promised day of God.

 

 

Words: Frederick Lucian Hosmer (1840-1929) Music: St. Flavian, melody from Day's Psalter, 1562; adapt. and harm. Richard Redhead (1820-1901)