Long in bondage we have waited
For the dawning of the light;
Error's chains we've felt and hated
Through the long and weary night.
Now the blessed light appearing
Fills our hearts with joy and peace,
Doubt and fear for aye dispelling;
O! what rest in this release!
Lord, we recognize its fountain,
In thy long looked for return,
In thy glory crowned mountain,
How our hearts within us burn!
Lo, in all the clear fulfilling
Of old prophecy and type,
Now we see thy kingdom coming;
For the time is fully ripe.
O! we long to see thy glory
Streaming wide o'er all the earth;
Ev'ry error, old and hoary,
Flee to realms that gave them birth.
For this glorious culmination,
Not for long shall Zion wait:
Soon will come her coronation;
Lo, her King is at the gate.
Bride and Bridegroom, then appearing,
Shall illuminate earth's gloom;
And the nations will be shouting,
Lo! our King! make room, make room.
O! the times of glad refreshing
Soon shall bring a sweet release,
Through the glorious reign of blessing,
Through the mighty Prince of Peace.