Keble regarded the Church as in a state of desolation, decay, and apostasy. He knew nothing of the glorious optimism of the Wesleys, who saw everywhere signs of the speedy triumph of the gospel and the coming of Christ’s kingdom. They sang
Plague, earthquake, and famine, and tumult and war,
The wonderful coming of Jesus declare.
Keble’s vision was
So Famine waits, and War with greedy eyes,
Till some repenting heart be ready for the skies.
They saw in the ingatherings to their scattered Societies the assurance of abounding blessing
Lo, the promise of a shower
Drops already from above;
But the Lord will shortly pour