He Is Near

I know not in what watch He comes
Or at what hour He may appear,
Whether at midnight or at morn,
Or in what season of the year;
I only know that He is near.

The centuries have gone and come,
Dark centuries of absence drear;
I dare not chide the long delay,
Nor ask when I  His voice shall hear;
I only know that He is near.

I do not think it can be long
Till in His glory He appear;
And yet I dare not name the day,
Nor fix the solemn Advent year;
I only know that He is near.

Horatius Bonar