Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#293

293. Lord, her watch Thy Church is keeping

1 Lord, her watch Thy Church is keeping;
When shall earth Thy rule obey?
When shall end the night of weeping?
When shall break the promised day?
See the whitening harvest languish,
Waiting still the labourers' toil;
Was it vain, Thy Son's deep anguish?
Shall the strong retain the spoil?

2 Tidings, sent to every creature,
Millions yet have never heard;
Can they hear without a preacher?
Lord Almighty, give the Word:
Give the Word; in every nation
Let the gospel-trumpet sound,
Witnessing a world's salvation
To the earth's remotest bound.

3 Then the end: Thy Church completed,
All Thy chosen gathered in,
With their King in glory seated,
Satan bound, and banished sin;
Gone for ever parting, weeping,
Hunger, sorrow, death, and pain;
Lo! her watch Thy Church is keeping;
Come, Lord Jesus, come to reign.

Text Information

• First Line: Lord, her watch Thy Church is keeping
• Author: Henry Downton, 1818-1885
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church and the Kingdom of God: Missions; Missions (See also Kingdom of Christ)

Tune Information

• Name: EVERTON
• Composer: Henry Smart, 1813-1879
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.8.7.8.7
• Key: E♭ Major