p. 1 | THE DAY OF THE LORD by L. D. Santee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · June 3, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 23

THE DAY OF THE LORD.

By L. D. Santee

BY REV. L. D. SANTEE.

The day of the Lord draweth nearer and nearer, Through the dews of the morn and the stars of the eve; The signs of his coming are plainer and clearer, While the world waxes worse, and seducers deceive.

Life-barks are tossing on time's rugged billow, Often they founder when swept by the gale; Graves still wax greener beneath bending willows; Cheeks that are tearful grow haggard and pale.

Partings on earth bring us trouble and sorrow,— Like parent-birds grieved o'er a poor, empty nest,— Gloom from our sad hearts the night winds might borrow, While lurid clouds wrathfully look from the west.

Just as the song-bird, when daylight is over, Seeks the home-shelter, 'mid silence so deep, So do the dead laid beneath the grave's cover, When God in his mercy has given them sleep.

He who notes e'en the fall of a sparrow, Clothing the lilies with garments so fair, Watches e'er lovingly earth's chambers narrow, Where his dear ones are sleeping away from all care.

The graves will be opened at Jesus' coming, And dear ones will join in a loving embrace; No more separation in wearisome roaming, But borne by the angels they see his loved face.

Then shall the righteous ascend up to Heaven, Rising with Christ through the bright azure sea; Tears wiped away and their errors forgiven, Fullness of joy shall their glad portion be.

They sing of redemption, that sweet, thrilling story, A song that no white-vestured angel can sing; With rapture unbounded, they give all the glory To our Father in Heaven, and Jesus our King.

Fanned by the life-giving breezes of Heaven, Passed and forgotten their sorrow and woe, Clad in their white robes, the starry crowns given,— Far, far behind them the darkness below.

Death has been vanquished; his bars have been riven, Broken his scepter, his crown in the dust. Sad was their earth-life, but sweet is their Heaven; Glory to Jesus in whom is their trust.