The Southern harmony, and musical companion containing a choice collection of tunes, hymns, psalms, odes, and anthems |
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[When the midnight cry began, O what lamentation] |
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 | The Southern harmony, and musical companion |  |
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[When the midnight cry began, O what lamentation]
1
When the midnight cry began,O what lamentation,
Thousands sleeping in their sins,
Neglecting their salvation.
Lo, the bridegroom is at hand,
Who will kindly treat him?
Surely all the waiting bend
Will now go forth to meet him.
2
Some, indeed, did wait awhile,And shone without a rival;
But they spent their seeming oil
Long since the last revival.
Many souls who thought they'd light,
O, when the scene was closed,
Now against the Bridegroom fight,
And so they stand opposed.
3
While the wise are passing by,With all their lamps prepared,
Give us of your oil, they cry,
If any can be spared.
Others trimm'd their former snuff,
O, is it not amazing!
Those conclude they've light enough,
And think their lamps are blazing.
4
Foolish virgins! do you thinkOur Bridegroom's a deceiver?
Then may you pass your lives away,
And think to sleep for ever;
But we by faith do see his face,
On whom we have believed;
If there's deception in the case,
'Tis you that are deceived.
5
And now the door is open wide,And Caristians are invited,
And virgins wise compass the bride,
March to the place appointed.
Who do you think is now a guest?
Yea, listen, carnal lovers,
'Tis those in wedding garments dress'd;
They cease from sin for ever.
6
The door is shut, and they within,They're freed from every danger;
They reign with Christ, for sinners slain,
Who once lay in a manger;
They join with saints and angels too
In songs of love and favour;
Glory, honour, praise and power,
To God and Lamb for ever.
7
The foolish virgins are without;The sentence, Go ye cursed—
For want of oil they're out—away
From Christ they then are forced.
No more on earth with saints to join
In sharing of my favour;
Although you did my children blind,
Mourn with the damn'd for ever.
8
Virgins wise, I pray draw near,And listen to your Saviour;
He is your friend, you need not fear,
O, why not seek his favour?
He speaks to you in whispers sweet,
In words of consolation:
By grace in him you stand complete,
He is your great salvation.
9
Dying sinners, will you come,The Saviour now invites you;
His bleeding wounds proclaim there's room,
Let nothing then affright you—
Room for you, and room for me,
And room for coming sinners:
Salvation pours a living stream
For you and all believers.
10
When earth and sea shall be no more,And all their glory perish,
When sun and moon shall cease to shine,
And stars at midnight languish
When Gabriel's trump shall sound aloud,
To call the slumb'ring nations,
Then, Christians, we shall see our God
The God of our salvation.
| The Southern harmony, and musical companion | |