The groaning creation doth wait

The groaning creation doth wait,
Together they *travail in pain*;
The Watchmen, who stand in the gate,
Are longing the morning to gain.
O! when will "the Bridegroom" appear,
His long-waiting "Bride" to receive?
We *feel* that his coming is near;
He will not his people deceive.

He waits for his Bride to appear
In righteousness fully arrayed;
While lacking he cannot draw near—
"Make ready," and be not afraid.
The scoffers, who mock at his word,
Must also stand "fully revealed,"
E'er they can "receive their reward,"
Or their judgment be finally sealed.