1 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 filled with the glory of God 
as the waters cover the sea. 

2 From utmost east to utmost west, 
where'er the church has gone, 
by the mouth of many messengers 
the call of God has come: 
Listen to me, you continents; 
you isles, give ear to me, 
that the earth may be filled with the glory of God 
as the waters cover the sea. 

3 March we forth in the strength of God, 
with the banner 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 filled with the glory of God 
as the waters cover the sea. 

4 All we can do is done in vain 
unless God blesses the deed; 
vainly we hope for the harvesttide 
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 filled with the glory of God 
as the waters cover the sea.