Church Book ‎#305

305. And is the time approaching

1 And is the time approaching,
By prophets long foretold,
When all shall dwell together,
One Shepherd and one fold?
Shall every idol perish,
To moles and bats be thrown,
And every prayer be offered
To God in Christ alone?

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

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

4 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.

Text Information

• First Line: And is the time approaching
• Author: Jane Borthwick (1863)
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: The Church: The Future
• Notes: Alternate tune: #122 or #297

Tune Information

• Name: CEYLON
• Meter: 7, 6.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: Composer from index: S. Reay, 1862