Behold, the Bridegroom cometh In the middle of the night

Verse 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.

Verse 2

Do thou, my soul, beware, 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!"

Verse 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 come to meet the Bride!"

Verse 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.