HARK! it is the mocker Ishmael,
In a mirthful tone and light,
Calling to the faithful watchman,
“Watchmen, tell us of the night.”
And the watchman answers ever,
Faithfully, in words of love,
“Come, return, and know, and serve.
Him,
Seek the Lord who reigns above.
Oh, the day ariseth, scoffer,
Morning comes and also night;
For the wicked all is gloomy,
For the blessed all is bright.
Yea, the morn ariseth, scoffer;
Faintly, faintly, even now,
Can we see the coming glories,
Can we hear the trumpet blow.
‘Tis for those that love Him, Dumah,
Tis for them, and not for thee.
Scoff away, and, if thou darest,
Scoff at dark eternity!
Night is coming, too, thou mocker,
Night of misery and fears;
Life is passing, yea, full quickly,
Numbered are thy fragile years.
Oh, be wise and hasten, hasten,
Rise to meet the coming day,
Now at once, oh, do not linger,
Time shall quickly flee away.”
Oh, that watchmen all were faithful,
Oh, that every one would say
To the dying souls around him―
“Rise, for Christ may come today!”
But the watchman still is speaking,
And his message is to thee,
“Jesus calls the lost and weary;
Says to sinners, ‘Come to me.’”
Oh may ye who hear the message,
Hear glad tidings told around,
Seek the Lord, who knows and loves you,
He who frees the captives bound!
List, all ye who fear the future,
Ye who dread eternity,
Jesus speaks of love and mercy;
Offers pardon full and free;
If thou heedest what He speaketh,
Thou shalt dwell with Him above;
And be evermore surrounded
With His glory and His love;
If thou wilt refuse the message,
Then, rejecter, thou shalt be
Through the long eternal ages
Steeped in hopeless misery.
A.