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HYMN #0169 SSS #169 • SS&S Meter: 7.8.8.0. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #169: A BETTER day is coming

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1
A BETTER day is coming,
A morning promised long,
When girded Right, with holy Might,
Will overthrow the Wrong;
When God the Lord will listen
To every plaintive sigh,
And stretch His hand o’er every land,
With justice by and by.
Coming by and by, coming by and by!
The better day is coming,
the morning draweth nigh
Coming by and by, coming by and by!
The welcome dawn will hasten on,
’tis coming by and by.
2
The boast of haughty Error
No more will fill the air,
But Age and Youth will love the Truth,
And spread it everywhere;
No more from Want and Sorrow
Will come the hopeless cry;
For strife will cease, and perfect
Peace
Will flourish by and by.
3
Oh, for that holy dawning
We watch, and wait, and pray,
Till o’er the height the morning light
Shall drive the gloom away;
And when the heavenly glory
Shall flood the earth and sky,
We’ll bless the Lord for all His word,
And praise Him by and by.
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "A BETTER day is coming"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #169 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 3 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

  • Poetic Meter: 7.8.8.0.
  • Stanza Structure: 3 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
  • Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
  • Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship
⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.
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