Laudes Domini ‎#1109

1109. "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh"

1 Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night,
And blest is he whose loins are girt, whose lamp is burning bright;
But woe to that dull servant, whom the Master shall surprise
With lamp untrimmed, unburning, and with slumber in his eyes.

2 Do thou, my soul, keep watch, beware lest thou in sleep sink down,
Lest thou be given o’er to death, and lose the golden crown;
But see that thou be sober, with a watchful eye, and thus
Cry--Holy, Holy, Holy God, have mercy upon us!

3 That day, the day of fear, shall come; my soul, slack not thy toil,
But light thy lamp, and feed it well, and make it bright with oil;
Who knowest not how soon may sound the cry at eventide,
Behold, the Bridegroom comes! Arise, he comes to meet the Bride!

4 Beware, my soul! take thou good heed, lest thou in slumber lie,
And, like the five remain without, and knock, and vainly cry;
But watch, and bear thy lamp undimmed, and Christ shall gird thee on
His own bright wedding-robe of light--the glory of the Son.

5 To thee, O Saviour, now we bring the tribute of our praise,
Too small for thee, O Bridegroom blest, but all that we can raise:
All praise to thee, great Three in One, the God whom we adore,
As was, and is, and shall be done, when time shall be no more.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night
• Title: "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh"
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1884
• Topic: Advent of Christ: To Judgment; Christ: Judge; Eternal Punishment; Future Punishment; Judgment Day; Life: Brevity of
• Notes: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: MACFARREN
• Meter: 14s
• Key: C Major