The midnight cry is heard! –
O! Slumbering saints arise,
Awake from sleep, your vigil keep,
And prove yourselves “the wise”;
Arise! Arise! Go forth,
The Bridegroom is at hand; –
The Morning Star, He comes from far,
To claim His waiting band.
The midnight cry is heard!
Go forth, your Lord to meet, –
His voice we hear – His step is near,
Your blessing to complete;
Your lamps are all but out,
O! put them all in trim,
Let every light for Him shine bright,
Let naught their luster dim.
The midnight cry is heard! –
O! foolish virgins, haste,
While yet there’s room, escape your doom,
Of boundless mercy taste;
The Bridegroom tarries yet,
Your empty vessels fill;
To God on high, go there and buy,
Without a price – who will.
The midnight cry is heard!
He comes! He comes at last! –
Ye virgins wise, to meet Him rise,
Your midnight watch is past;
The new eternal song
Now flows from hearts at rest, –
With Him in light, where all is bright, –
With Him forever blest.
The midnight cry has ceased! –
No foolish enter in –
Too late! Too late! ‘Tis sealed your fate,
And now your woes begin; –
Too late! Too late! Too late! –
The door, forever shut,
You knock in vain – no entrance gain –
“Depart, I know you not.”