The Future Peace and Glory of the Church
Hear what God the Lord hath spoken:
“O my people, faint and few,
Hear what God the Lord hath spoken:
“O my people, faint and few,
Comfortless, afflicted, broken,
Fair abodes I build for you.
Thorns of heartfelt tribulation
Shall no more perplex your ways:
You shall name your walls Salvation,
And your gates shall all be praise.
“There, like streams that feed the garden,
Pleasures without end shall flow;
For the Lord, your faith rewarding,
All his bounty shall bestow;
Still in undisturbed possession
Peace and righteousness shall reign;
Never shall you feel oppression,
Hear the voice of war again.
Ye no more your suns descending,
Waning moons no more shall see;
But, your griefs, for ever ending,
Find eternal noon in me:
God shall rise, and shining o’er ye,
Change to day the gloom of night;
He, the Lord, shall be your glory,
God your everlasting light.”
Isaiah 60:15-20
William Cowper