John Milton was born in London on this date in 1608. In this season of Advent, this time of expectant hope and watching, of preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord as well as for Christmas, here is a hymn to fit the day, Milton's poem on the promise of Revelation 22:12.



The Lord will come and not be slow.



The Lord will come and not be slow;

His footsteps cannot err;

Before Him righteousness shall go,

His royal harbinger.



Mercy and truth, that long were missed,

Now joyfully are met;

Sweet peace and righteousness have kissed,

And hand in hand are set.



The nations all whom Thou hast made

Shall come, and all shall frame

To bow them low before Thee, Lord!

And glorify Thy Name!



Truth from the earth, like to a flower,

Shall bud and blossom then,

And justice, from her heavenly bower,

Look down on mortal men.



Thee will I praise, O Lord, my God!

Thee honor and adore

With my whole heart; and blaze abroad

Thy Name forevermore!