The Hymns and Carols of Christmas

Thy Kingdom Come! On Bended Knee

For Advent

Words: Frederick L. Hosmer, 1891

Music: "St. Paul," from J. Chalmer's Collection, 1749

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 in whose clear-shining light
    All wrong shall stand revealed,
When justice shall be clothed 1 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.

Note:

1. Or: throned. Return

Sheet Music "St. Paul" from Henry Sloane Coffin and Ambrose White Vernon, eds., Hymns of the Kingdom of God. New York: The A. S. Barnes Company, 1910, #176.

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