God is working his purpose out as year succeeds to year;
God is working his purpose out, and the time is drawing near.
Nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be,
	(When the) earth shall be fill'd with the glory of God
	as the waters cover the sea.
From utmost East to utmost West, where’er man’s foot hath 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 fill'd with the glory of God
	as the waters cover the sea."
What can we do to work God’s work, to prosper and increase
(The) brotherhood of all mankind, the reign of the prince of peace?
What can we do to hasten the time, the time that shall surely be,
	(When the) earth shall be fill'd with the glory of God
	as the waters cover the sea?
March we forth in the strength of God, with the flag of Christ unfurled,
(That the) light of the glorious gospel of truth may shine throughout the world.
Fight we the fight with sorrow and sin, to set their captives free,
	(That the) earth may be fill'd with the glory of God
	as the waters cover the sea.
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;
(Yet) nearer and nearer draws the time, the time that shall surely be,
	(When the) earth shall be fill'd with the glory of God
	as the waters cover the sea.