| Location in The Sacred Harp | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanza | Denson | Cooper | ||||
| 1 |
WHEN the midnight cry begins, O what a consternation! Thousands sleeping in their sins, Neglecting their salvation. Lo! the bridegroom is at hand, 0 who will kindly treat him? Surely all the waiting band Will now go out to meet him. |
The Midnight Cry 115, Stanza 1 |
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| 2 |
Some, indeed, did run 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 4 |
Foolish virgins! do you think Our bridegroom's a deceiver? Then may you pass your lives away, And think to sleep forever: 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. |
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| 5 |
And now the door is open wide, And Christians 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 forever. |
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| 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; The join with saints and angels too, In songs of love and favour: Glory, honour, praise and power To God and the Lamb forever. |
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| 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 forever. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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