THE COMING CROWNING

When the chariots of glory

Come flashing from the east

On the day of Advent-story,

The crowning of the Christ;

When the clouds are seraph-mounted

And radiant of wing

With angel-hosts uncounted,

And the skies with rapture ring—

My soul, wilt thou undaunted

Meet the coming of the King?

When earth the blessed vision

With lifted eyes beholds

And feels the swift transition

Of glory that enfolds;

When from the skies descending

The hosts of Heaven bring

The Kingdom never-ending

Of which all peoples sing—

O Spirit, wilt thou blending

Hail the coming of the King?

When thrones are set for mercy

And love to minister

To the naked, sick and thirsty

And all who faint or err;

When the Lord of glory reigneth

And choired censers swing

With the praises God ordaineth

As Heavens their banners fling—

O Soul, a crown that gaineth,

Crown and enthrone the King!