Verse 1A
God is working his purpose out, As year succeeds to year, God is working his purpose out, And the time is drawing near;
Verse 1B
Nearer and nearer draws the time, The time that shall surely be, When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea.
Verse 2
From utmost east to utmost west, Wherever feet have trod, By the mouth of many messengers Goes forth the voice of God, 'Give ear to me, ye continents, Ye isles, give ear to me, That the earth may be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea.'
Verse 3A
What can we do to work God's work, To prosper and increase The love of God in all mankind, The reign of the Prince of peace?
Verse 3B
What can we do to hasten the time, The time that shall surely be, When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea?
Verse 4A
March we forth in the strength of God, With the banner of Christ unfurled, That the light of the glorious gospel of truth Nay shine throughout the world;
Verse 4B
Fight we the fight with sorrow and sin, To set their captives free, That the earth may be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea.
Verse 5A
All we can do is nothing worth Unless God blesses the deed; Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide Till God gives life to the seed;
Verse 5B
Yet nearer and nearer draws the time, The time that shall surely be, When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea.