Long Time Ago

1 Jesus died on Calvary's mountain,
Long time ago,
And salvation's rolling fountain,
Now freely flows!

2 Once his voice in tones of pity,
Melted in woe,
And he wept o'er Judah's city,
Long time ago.

3 On his head the dews of midnight,
Fell, long ago,
Now a crown of dazzling sunlight
Sits on his brow.

4 Jesus died—yet lives forever,
No more to die—
Bleeding Jesus, blessed Savior,
Now reigns on high!

5 Now in heaven he's interceding
For dying men,
Soon he'll finish all his pleading,
And come again.

6 Budding fig trees tell that summer
Dawns o'er the land,
Signs portend that Jesus' coming,
Is near at hand.

7 Children, let your lights be burning,
In hope of heaven.
Waiting for our Lord's returning
At dawn or even.

8 When he comes a voice from heaven
Shall pierce the tomb,
"Come, ye blessed of my Father,
Children, come home."

The Southern Harmony, 1835

• MIDI file from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion (New ed. thoroughly rev. and much enl.) #313b